Polotskaia, E., & Savard, A. (2021). Shifting paradigms in word problem solving. The case of multiplicative structures. In J. Navotna & H. Maraova (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Symposium Elementary Mathematics Teaching (pp. 328–337). Charles University – Faculty of Education.
Abstract: This paper reports on our second study on elementary student relational thinking development through problem solving. We designed and implemented fifteen learning activities to direct students’ attention from numbers and key words toward multiplicative relationships in the context of word problem solving. This paper focuses on one activity about proportion. We observed and analyzed students’ thinking to highlight the elements of the activity contributing to the relational thinking development in students. Our data corroborate with the data obtained from other studies in proportional and multiplicative thinking teaching and learning.
