Building Bridges to Algebra through a Constructionist Learning Environment.

Context · In the digital era, it is important to investigate the potential impact of digital technologies in education and how such tools can be successfully integrated into the mathematics classroom. Similarly to many others in the constructionism community, we have been inspired by the idea set out originally by Papert of providing students with appropriate "vehicles" for developing "Mathematical Ways of Thinking." Problem · A crucial issue regarding the design of digital tools as vehicles is that of "transfer" or "bridging" i.e., what mathematical knowledge is transferred from students' interactions with such tools to other activities such as when they are doing "paper-and-pencil" mathematics, undertaking traditional exam papers or in other formal and informal settings. Method · Through the lens of a framework for algebraic ways of thinking, this article analyses data gathered as part of the MiGen project from studies aiming at investigating ways to build bridges to formal algebra. Results · The analysis supports the need for and benefit of bridging activities that make the connections to algebra explicit and for frequent reflection and consolidation tasks. Implications · Task and digital environment designers should consider designing bridging activities that consolidate, support and sustain students' mathematical ways of thinking beyond their digital experience. Constructivist content · Our more general aim is to support the implementation of digital technologies, especially constructionist learning environments, in the mathematics classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]