Algebraic thinking is about generalising arithmetic operations and operating on unknown quantities. It involves recognising and analysing patterns and developing generalisations about these patterns. In algebra, symbols can be used to represent generalisations.
For example, a + 0 = a is a symbolic representation for the idea that when zero is added to any number it stays the same. Studying and representing relationships is also an important part of algebra.
"The language of arithmetic focuses on answers while the language of algebra focuses on relationships."1
Research shows that students can more easily understand algebra when they have a good knowledge of the general properties of numbers (e.g., additive identity, commutativity), the relationships among numbers, and the effect that basic operations have on numbers rather than just having a focus on finding an answer. Many of these concepts are best taught at a young age because misconceptions which develop early on can inhibit a student's ability to work with symbols and generalisations at a later time.
The following pages introduce some of these important ideas, and provide links to related assessment resources. The resources are designed to provide diagnostic and formative assessment information to help elicit student understanding. This concept map has been developed as a result of a review of the literature and research carried out with Year 4 and 5 students.
1 MacGregor, M & Stacey, K. (1999) “A flying start to algebra. Teaching Children Mathematics, 6/2, 78-86. Retrieved 17 May 2005 from http://staff.edfac.unimelb.edu.au/~Kayecs/publications/1999/MacGregorStacey-AFlying.pdf.