The role of examples in early algebra for students with Mathematical Learning Difficulties

Abstract

Recent years have been marked by a growing research interest in students with Mathematical Learning Difficulties (MLD, acronym which denotes specific and/or severe difficulties in mathematics). Most research on MLD has focused almost exclusively on the arithmetic domain, but in recent years, research has begun to taking into consideration other mathematical domains, for example algebra. The present research aims at answering the following research question: What is the role of examples in algebraic thinking for students with MLD? Using Balacheff's typology of proofs, different types of examples are identified: naïve empiricism, crucial experiment, example to spot the regularity and generic example. These examples can be used as tools for observing algebraic thinking in students with MLD and they support the occurrence of algebraic thinking in this population.