Matchbox Algebra

Graham, Alan and Duke, Roger (2009). Matchbox Algebra. In: Houssart, Jenny and Mason, John eds. Listening Counts: listening to young learners of mathematics. Stoke on Trent, UK: Trentham Books, pp. 71–84.

URL: http://www.trentham-books.co.uk/acatalog/Listening...

Abstract

The authors have been working on developing an innovative way of teaching fundamental ideas of algebra. Many learners seem to struggle with making a clear distinction between terms involving the variable (say, x) and numbers. Our approach is based on using matchboxes to represent the unknown letter, x, and matches to represent numbers. We have created a software version of Matchbox Algebra in the form of a Java applet . In this chapter we set out some background ideas that influenced the design of the software and describe how we trialled it with young learners aged 8 to 11 years. By listening to these learners’ comments, we were able to see how the computer screen pictures might help them to form visual imagery that supported their grasp of the idea of a variable as well as to gain confidence in using basic algebra skills.

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