This research investigates errors and misconceptions among learners in algebraic education by utilizing Koch's error analysis method alongside the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) taxonomy. The primary aim of the investigation is to discern the kinds of errors and cognitive stages demonstrated by Grade 9 students when engaged in…

This paper describes the difficulties faced by a group of middle school students (13- to 15-year-olds) attempting to translate algebraic statements written in verbal language into symbolic language and vice versa. The data used were drawn from their replies to a written quiz and semi-structured interviews. In the former, students were confronted…

Algebra is an important branch of mathematics which applies to many fields related to mathematics. However, many studies show algebra as posing problems even to the most gifted students. This phenomenon, therefore, necessitates more studies to be conducted in this area. As such, the study explored the types of errors that Grade 8 learners…

South African learners' performance in mathematics, both locally and internationally, has raised significant concerns, particularly in the realm of algebra. To address this issue, a mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of using algebra tiles to teach algebraic expressions. The study aimed to investigate algebraic…

This study diagnoses and explores year eight students' misconceptions and mistakes in algebra. An in-depth exploration of students' misconceptions were carried out by conducting interviews based on the students' work as outlined in a cognitive map. Based on the cognitive maps, it can be seen that the students emphasize procedural knowledge rather…

Purpose: It is crucial for teachers to understand what students already know and what they are thinking, before conducting their lessons, because identification of the cause is the first step of remedy. This study analyses students' conceptions that underlie the errors they make in algebraic expressions under two categories of conceptual…

Although findings from cognitive science have suggested learning benefits of confronting errors (Metcalfe, 2017), they are not often capitalized on in many mathematics classrooms (Tulis, 2013). The current study assessed the effects of examples focused on either common mathematical misconceptions and errors or correct concepts and procedures on…

The study aimed to determine the mistakes of students in operations with algebraic expressions, and their misconceptions that may lead to errors. The study adopted case study method, one of the qualitative research models. The participants were composed of 48 (24 boys, 24 girls) randomly selected among 8th grade students in three different classes…

In this study, we explore the application of process mining techniques on assessment log data to explore problem-solving strategies in Algebra. By analyzing sequences of student activities, we demonstrate the significant potential of process mining in identifying problem-solving strategies that lead to successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Our…

Students often perform arithmetic using rigid problem-solving strategies that involve left-to-right-calculations. However, as students progress from arithmetic to algebra, entrenchment in rigid problem-solving strategies can negatively impact performance as students experience varied problem representations that sometimes conflict with the order…

Prior research highlights a positive effect of incorrect worked examples on mathematics learning. Yet the mechanisms underlying these benefits are unclear. To investigate potential mechanisms of the benefits of various worked example types, we examined process data from a previously published classroom-based experiment. More specifically, we…

This article uses the concurrent mixed methods design to explore the errors made by 171 Grade Seven learners in algebraic problem-solving within the Assin Central Municipality in Ghana. The participants were categorized into low-achieving and high-achieving groups based on their performance in a pretest, to help provide a detailed examination of…

This study investigated the role of the bar model method, a significant aspect of the Singapore mathematics curriculum, in the remediation of seventh-grade students' errors on algebra word problems. To accomplish this purpose, we first assessed students' errors on a written test involving algebra problems and identified ten students based on the…

The present study investigates the understanding of the equals sign among middle school students. The study data were gathered from a total of 433 middle school students (111 in the fifth grade, 106 in the sixth grade, 95 in the seventh grade and 121 in the eighth grade) using a ten-item equals sign test developed by the researcher. The study…

The present study examines the effectiveness of incorporating worked examples with prompts for self-explanation into a middle school math textbook. Algebra 1 students (N = 75) completed an equation-solving unit with textbooks either containing the original practice problems or in which a portion of those problems were converted into a combination…