Algebraic generalisation of a student with MLD: Skills despite difficulties and implications for diagnostic tests
Résumé
Students with Mathematical Learning Disabilities (MLD) are diagnosed in most cases through arithmetic performance tests. The diagnosis identifies them as having severe difficulties in mathematics. For the present study, we investigated the algebraic thinking of a 9th grade student with a diagnosis of dyscalculia through the generalisation of a geometric pattern. Despite her dyscalculia diagnosis, the student was able to solve the proposed problem by developing an arithmetic generalisation and different types of algebraic generalisations. The analysis of the interview with the student shows that, despite the major arithmetic difficulties identified by the diagnosis, the student shows algebraic skills. In addition to showing the skills that students with MLD may have, this result highlights the limitations of the diagnostic tests currently used and the need to supplement them in order to cover other mathematical areas.
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