O pensamento algébrico na aprendizagem da Matemática nos primeiros anos

Abstract

The article discusses the notion of algebraic thinking, analyzing essential aspects and two of its main strands: generalized arithmetic and functional thinking. On the second part, the article identifies the recent curricular orientations concerning algebraic thinking in the early grades, focusing particularly on the new program of Mathematics in Portugal.

The third part of the article discusses three aspects of concern when trying to promote the development of algebraic thinking in classroom: tasks and their algebraic potential; multiple mathematical representations as resources for algebraic reasoning nd its expression by students; teacher role in creating a classroom culture of discussion and construction of collective generalizations by students. The article is based on the recent investigation on the domain of early algebra and is illustrated with episodes from classrooms of the first and the second grades in Portugal.