Fyra lärares uppfattningar om laborativt material och arbetssätt inom matematikundervisningen : En kvalitativ studie om föreställningar gällande laborativt material och likhetstecknets betydelse inom algebra

Sammanfattning: A concern for the Swedish students’ knowledge of mathematics, especially in algebra, is formulated in the PISA –rapport (Skolverket, 2012). From this conclusion, an interest was formed to investigate how practicing teachers in Sweden use manipulatives to support students in developing a better understanding of algebra. An interview-based study is presented in this degree project. This study focus on four Swedish teacher’s perspectives on using manipulatives when working with the equality sign in algebra. The purpose of this study is through interviews highlight these teachers' perceptions of manipulatives and ways of working with the material. The result of this study presents a generally positive view on using manipulatives in teaching mathematics, especially working with the equality sign in algebra. The result also presents how the teachers address the importance of developing an understanding of the equality sign.  The teacher’s answers and perspectives on using manipulatives is also confirmed by research and literature. Finally this study marks the significant role of the teacher when students learn and develop an understanding for mathematics. This degree project is analyzed by following questions: -What experience and skills do teachers have with the use of manipulatives when it comes to working with the concepts of the equal sign in algebra?- In which way does the teachers believe that working with manipulatives facilitates an understanding of the equal sign?- What importance do teachers lay on manipulatives regardingthesignificance of the equal sign?