Junior Students' Understanding On The Equation Thinking

The Equation Thinking is one of the most basic Mathematics Thoughts. It is widely used in learning of Algebra and Geometry. To master the Equation Thinking can not only help junior students to understand and master the basic math knowledge better. It also plays an important role in helping students learn further math knowledge as well as other subjects such as physics and chemistry.Through math tests and interviews among 414 students from Grade6 to Grade9, the thesis studies the following 4 aspects: Junior students' understanding on the concept of the equation; Junior students' initiative on applying equation thinking; The common strategies used by junior students to make equation; The main influencing factors on students' making equations correctly. The conclusions are as follow:1. Students' understanding on the concept of equation is unilateral and superficial, especially for the understanding on the function of the equal-sign in an equation.2. The initiative on applying equation thinking is limited among the junior students in lower grades. And the Grade 6 students tend to use arithmetic methods. But the initiative will be developed gradually when students go to higher grades.3. The common strategies widely used by junior students to make equations:①Formula Strategy②Classification Strategy③Integration Strategy④Analysis Strategy⑤Chart Strategy4. The main influencing factors on students' making equations correctly①The mental factors: Lack confidence of mastering and applying equation methods but rely on arithmetic methods;②The level of reading and expressing: Cannot change the basic quantities relation into equality relation correctly;③The complexity of the quantities relation in the problem: Cannot dig out the quantities relation deep hidden in the problem;④The limit of life experience and social experience: Cannot understand the terms with practical meanings in the problem;⑤Not familiar with the problem: Cannot naturally search or make up the solving strategic according to the problem situation.At last, according to the results of the study, the author raises some advice and several issues on the equation teaching among junior students for further study.