K-8 Pre-service Teachers’ Algebraic Thinking: Exploring the Habit of Mind Building Rules to Represent Functions

Authors

  • Marta T. Magiera Marquette University
  • Leigh A van den Kieboom Marquette University
  • John C Moyer Marquette University

Keywords:

algebraic thinking . algebra instruction . teacher knowledge . mathematical knowledge for teaching . pre-service teachers

Abstract

In this study, through the lens of the algebraic habit of mind Building Rules to Represent Functions, we examined 18 pre-service middle school teachers' ability to use algebraic thinking to solve problems. The data revealed that pre-service teachers' ability to use different features of the habit of mind Building Rules to Represent Functions varied accross the features. Significant correlations existed between 8 pairs of the features. The ability to justify a rule was the weakest of the seven features and it was correlated with the ability to chunk information. Implications for mathematics teacher education are discussed.

Author Biographies

Marta T. Magiera, Marquette University

Marquette University, Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Associate Professor

Leigh A van den Kieboom, Marquette University

Dept of Educational Policy and Leadership, Associate Professor

John C Moyer, Marquette University

Dept of  Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Professor

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Published

2017-07-11

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