Productive learning of algebra is supported when students reflect on multiple strategies, compare them and discuss the rationale behind and relative merits of particular strategies. Comparison and Discussion of Multiple Strategies (CDMS) is an instructional approach designed to support these processes in math classrooms. In the current study, 16…

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…

This study aimed to examine the collective mathematical creativity of gifted middle school students within a group through model-eliciting activities. The current study employed the case study design. The participating four gifted students were selected through the purposive sampling technique. To examine the collective creativity of the students…

Mathematics education aims to help students understand and solve problems in their daily lives. Facilitating mathematical problem-solving for most students is a major challenge for teachers and students. The research was carried out to support students in developing their ability to resolve problems by learning the first-degree equations in one…

In this paper, we explore how students' algebraic noticing's and explanations changed across a two-year period with the introduction of designed instructional material. The data in this report is drawn from n=53 Year 7-8 students' responses to a free-response assessment task across two different years. Analysis focused on how students noticed and…

This paper provides evidence that a short, fully online, well-constructed diagnostic test based on research literature can give teachers information about their students' thinking and strategies that is sufficiently accurate to use for formative assessment purposes. The example is a test for students beginning to learn to solve equations. The main…

This study utilized a one-group pretest-post-posttest design (Allen, 2017) to examine the effects of the Hands-On Equations system on students' abilities to solve multi-step equation problems following explicit classroom instruction on the skill. Participants consisted of four middle-school male students, all of whom received special education…

The equal symbol has been used in diverse mathematical frameworks, such as arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, set theory, and so on. In mathematical terms, the equal sign has been used in fixed command of standings. The study reports on the students meaning and interpretations of the equal sign. The study involved Grade 6, 7, and 8 students in a…

Concerns have been expressed that although learners may solve linear equations correctly they cannot draw on mathematically valid resources to explain their solutions or use their strategies in unfamiliar situations. This article provides a detailed qualitative analysis of the thinking of 15 Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners as they talk about their…

In this study we investigated the relationship between urban eighth grade students' Hands-On Exposure to Algebraic Thinking (HEAT) competition performance and their subsequent performance on standardized measures of mathematics achievement (ACT Composite Score, ACT Math Scores, and Louisiana Algebra End of Course Exams). It was found that the…

GeoGebra is a dynamic geometric software developed for the support of mathematics teaching. The aim of this research was to study the effect of GeoGebra on mathematics achievement in relation to the linear equations and explore the perception of students towards the use of GeoGebra in teaching mathematics. Forty students were participating in this…

Prior to leaving middle school, students are expected to be able to solve linear equations with one unknown using multiple modes of representation, including pictorial models. Although solving these linear equations is important, many students do not have the conceptual understanding to solve these types of linear equations successfully. In this…

The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Research for Education series represents a further effort by IEA to capitalize on it's unique datasets, so as to provide powerful information for policymakers and researchers. Each report focuses on a specific topic and is produced by a dedicated team of leading…

Modeling is an effective tool to help students access mathematical concepts. Finding a math teacher who has not drawn a fraction bar or pie chart on the board would be difficult, as would finding students who have not been asked to draw models and represent numbers in different ways. In this article, the authors will discuss: (1) the properties of…

The paper describes one problem solving strategy -- the Use of false assumption. The objective of the paper is to show, in accordance with Phylogenesis and Ontogenesis Theory, that it is worthwhile to reiterate the process of development of the concept of a variable and thus provide to pupils one of the ways helping them to eliminate usual…