In this paper, we describe our learning progressions approach to early algebra research that involves the coordination of a curricular framework, an instructional sequence, written assessments, and levels of sophistication describing the development of students' thinking. We focus in particular on what we have learning through this approach about…

Algebra is often considered as difficult and mysterious doctrine due to numerous symbols that represent mathematical notions. Results of the research on students' interpretation of literal expressions show that only a small number of students are ready to accept that a letter can represent a variable. The aim of this research with students of the…

This study of fourth-grade students and teachers explores mathematics teaching and learning that focuses on discovering and modeling algebraic relationships. The study has two parts: an investigation of how students learn to construct algebraic statements and models for comparisons and measurement situations in the multiplicative domain, and an…