Work

Early fraction relational reasoning uniquely predicts later algebraic thinking in children: A longitudinal study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The association between children’s fraction relational reasoning and their algebraic thinking has not been explored longitudinally. This study used incremental importance analysis and relative weight analysis to examine the extent to which fourth-grade ( M= 112.3 months, SD= 2.25) fraction relational reasoning predicted sixth-grade algebraic performance, compared to an extensive set of cognitive factors. Multiple linear regression revealed that fraction relational reasoning, fraction and decimal magnitude knowledge, fraction arithmetic, attentive behavior, counting recall, and listening recall were significant predictors in the final model. Relative weight analysis indicated the contribution of fraction relational reasoning to algebraic performance did not differ significantly from fraction magnitude knowledge and fraction arithmetic, but was a stronger predictor than the other variables. This suggests the central executive component of working memory, attention, fraction relational reasoning, magnitude knowledge of fractions and decimals, and fraction arithmetic may warrant focused attention when preparing children for algebra.

Source: Contemporary Educational Psychology

DOI: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2024.102300

Authors: Boby Ho-Hong Ching, Xiang Yu Li

Institution: University of Macau

Language: English

Topic: Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills

Subfield: Statistics and Probability

Field: Mathematics

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,480