Developing Thinking in Algebra

PART ONE First Encounters with Expressing Generality Using Mathematical Powers; Meeting Mathematical Themes Using Symbols Depicting Relationships PART TWO More Experience of Expressing Generality More on Powers, More on Themes Symbol Manipulation Changing Representations PART THREE Yet More Expressing Generality Solving Problems Reasoning Graphs and Diagrams PART FOUR Themes and Structure Powers, Constructs and Strategies Final Reflections

'Mason, Graham, and Johnston-Wilder have admirably succeeded in casting most of school algebra in terms of generalization activity ? not just the typical numerical and geometric pattern-based work, but also solving quadratics and simultaneous equations, graphing equations, and factoring. The authors raise our awareness of the scope of generalisation and of the power of using this as a lens not just for algebra but for all of mathematics!' - Professor Carolyn Kieran, Departement de Mathematiques, Universite du Quebec a Montreal 'This is an incredibly interesting and thought provoking book. Intended for anyone interested in developing their own mathematical thinking, or of the students they teach, whether at a primary level or right through to FE. The book is a delightful blend of theory and practice - encouraging the reader to participate, to solve problems and to develop their own thinking' - Peter Hall, Imberhorne School, East Grinstead