There were 120 pupils in years 1 to 5 from two schools which were interviewed using specially prepared tasks to study the variety of interpretations given to letters by adolescents. Results indicate that two distinct conceptual understandings of the role played by a letter in relation to geometrical data exist in pupil's thinking. (Author/TG)

A structured system of visual features is seen to parallel the propositional hierarchy of operations usually associated with the parsing of algebraic expressions. Women more than men were found to depend on these visual cues. Possible causes and consequences are discussed. Subjects were secondary and college students. (Author/DC)

This longitudinal study investigated the ways in which two groups of eight students used spreadsheets to represent and solve algebra problems and related this to their previous arithmetical experiences and evolving use of symbolic language. The spreadsheet environment supported students to move from specific to general thinking. Includes story…