Integrating Number and Algebra in The New Zealand Curriculum: Implications for teaching

The integration of Number and Algebra into one strand in The New Zealand Curriculum (Ministry of Education, 2007) raises questions about the relationship between these two branches of mathematics and about suitable approaches to teaching. This article argues that arithmetic and algebra are intimately linked and should not be taught in isolation. There needs to be an emphasis on generalisation within the teaching of arithmetic and consideration of prerequisite arithmetic skills and knowledge in the teaching of algebra.