Polotskaia, E., Savard, A., Gélinas, M.-S., & Fellus, O. (2018). Multiplicative structures in elementary school mathematics: Relational approach. In PME42. Umea, Sweden.
Abstract: In this theoretical essay, we critically analyze some multiplicative structures identified by researchers and practitioners in the field of teaching elementary school mathematics (grades 3-5). Drawing upon Davydov’s theory of developmental instruction, we use the relational perspective and propose another classification and graphical representations of multiplicative structures. We suggest that the new approach may better support student understanding of multiplicative relationships and at the same time contribute to the foundation of their algebraic thinking.
