Seminar 2014-2015 focused mainly on algebraic reasoning. There was also time given to discussing problem-solving and how to make connections in maths teaching. If you missed the seminar or want to go back over some of the activities done on the day, you’ll find videos of the full seminar and all the resources used or references during the seminar below.
Some of the resources used or referenced during the seminar are available here. Any remaining resources will be posted when the seminar is finished.
In 2007, the Nuffield Foundation commissioned a team from the University of Oxford to review the available research literature on how children learn mathematics. This paper deals with Algebraic Reasoning.
Algebraic reasoning is a gatekeeper for students in their efforts to progress in mathematics and science (Greenes et al., 2001). An early introduction gives all students more opportunities in later mathematics and career choices, and it may serve to support the transition to formal algebra in secondary grades, which research has shown to be difficult for most students (e.g., Kieran, 1992). This paper discusses the problems faced by students when trying to develop their algebraic reasoning.