An algorithm is first defined by an example of making pancakes and then through discussion of how computers operate. The understanding that human beings bring to a task is contrasted with this algorithmic processing. In the second section, the question of understanding is related to learning algorithmic performance, with counting used as the…

This issue contains abstracts and critical comments for 11 articles. Three articles focus on problem solving; the remainder concern understanding of the equals sign, mathematical structure, mathematical abilities, the role of language in tasks involving sets, sex differences in mathematical errors, subtraction, algorithms as schemes, and…