Algorithmics in Arithmetic: Revealing algorithmic activities in a first-year arithmetic course for preservice teachers

International audienceThe science of algorithms, that is, the design of algorithms and the analysis of their correctness, complexity or efficiency, is at the intersection of mathematics and computer science, as outlined in the scope and focus of the new thematic working group 11 of CERME12. However, one might question whether algorithmics is indeed a relevant topic for mathematics education. This paper investigates whether algorithmic activities are included in a first-year mathematics course for preservice elementary school teachers. Indeed, for 25 of 26 lectures in the course algorithmic activities could be identified