Connections for learning multiplication

This paper presents an analytical tool designed to capture the connections students make between three components essential to the learning of multiplication: the calculative act, the arithmetical properties and multiplicative representations. Connections are viewed as building blocks for learning and conceptual understanding and their components are central for multiplication. The analytical tool is presented alongside examples of students’ connections shown as calculations or statements. By examples from one student’s work, it is demonstrated what can be inferred from the exploration of these connections. Finally other important connections concerning understanding of multiplication not included in the analytical tool are discussed