What Is Early Algebra?
Early algebra refers to a program of research, instructional approaches, and teacher education that highlights the importance of algebraic reasoning throughout K-12 mathematics education. The program stresses that elementary arithmetic rests on ideas and principles of algebra that merit a place in the early curriculum. Early algebra focuses on principles and representations of algebra that can be and presumably need to be mastered by young students as the foundations for later learning.
In some countries, preparation for algebra is implicitly integrated into the early mathematics curriculum. This can be assessed by analysis of curricula implemented in different countries, a task that goes beyond the scope of this account of research on early algebra. For now, it suffices to state that the goal of introducing algebra in elementary school is far from being universally embraced, despite promising results of classroom intervention studies of early algebra.
As early...
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Carraher, D., Schliemann, A.D. (2020). Early Algebra Teaching and Learning. In: Lerman, S. (eds) Encyclopedia of Mathematics Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15789-0_54
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