Investigates the cognitive and linguistic demands of learning algebra and explores students' understanding of algebraic notation. Findings indicate specific origins of misinterpretation that include intuitive assumptions and pragmatic reasoning about a new notation, analogies with familiar symbol systems, interference from new learning in…

Students in grades 7 (n=4), 9 (n=9), 10 (n=13), and 11 (n=12) were interviewed to compare the use of intuitive and taught methods of problem solving. Results indicate grade 9 students could efficiently use taught methods as well as intuitive methods, whereas grade 10 and 11 students reverted to basic problem-solving methods and were reluctant to…