Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Flexible Use of Strategies for Solving Linear Relationship Problems Using Strip Diagrams

Research has shown there are algebra concepts elementary teachers can introduce that help prepare elementary students for the eventual transition to algebra (e.g., the relational interpretation of the equal sign). Early algebra refers to the use of informal approaches to introduce such concepts to elementary students. Strip diagrams , a type of informal diagram, can be used for early algebra. We present an instructional sequence mathematics teacher educators could use to introduce elementary preservice teachers to or reacquaint them with strip diagrams. We also present strategies elementary pre-service teachers used to solve strip diagram problems before and after participating in our instructional sequence. We conclude with a discussion about the strategies and implications for teaching early algebra to elementary preservice teachers.