The predictive nature of algebraic arithmetic for young learners

Abstract

The present study revalidated a measurement model describing the nature of early number sense. Number sense was shown to be composed of elementary number sense, conventional arithmetic and algebraic arithmetic. Algebraic arithmetic was conceptualized as synthesis of number patterns, restrictions and functions. Two hundred and four 1stgrade students were individually tested on four different occasions. Data analysis suggested that elementary number sense follows a logarithmic growth, while conventional arithmetic and algebraic arithmetic adopt a linear growth rate until the third measurement and then they accelerate. Analysis showed that the growth of algebraic arithmetic directly predicts students’ mathematics achievement in second grade and the growth of conventional arithmetic and indirectly the growth of elementary number sense.