Analogical Reasoning with Lyn English

Lyn English defines analogical reasoning and describes its importance and prevalence in early math classrooms.

The ability to see connections and relationships among math ideas and apply this understanding to the solution of new problems is a basic component of mathematical reasoning.

Lyn English is a professor of mathematics education in the School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. She is also the founding editor of the international journal Mathematical Thinking and Learning (Taylor & Francis).

The Early Math Collaborative, supported by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, held international symposia in 2009 and 2010. The two events brought experts from around the world to share approaches to early mathematics education with teachers, administrators, policy-makers, and other education professionals. The goal was to generate globally-informed ideas and recommendations for improving math instruction in the early childhood classroom. In breakout discussions and plenary sessions, participants brainstormed ideas, identified issues, and recommended actions.