Collaborative Research: Understanding and Cultivating the Transition from Arithmetic to Algebraic Thinking

This project seeks to understand middle grade students' transition from arithmetic into algebraic reasoning, and to develop and evaluate proper educational approaches to improve the learning and teaching of increasingly complex mathematics. Derry and colleagues have designed a comprehensive, systemic research and development program to address three interrelated areas of study, or tiers: student learning and development; teacher beliefs, knowledge, and practice; and professional development. This approach emphasizes the parallel structures and processes among these tiers, as distinct but inseparable aspects of a unified system.