Algebra is critical in shaping future mathematics success and is integral to the K-12 curriculum. Despite its inclusion, a common challenge arises as students' progress to higher grades without a solid foundation, resulting in challenging learning experiences. This action research study focuses on the algebraic learning experience of a Grade 7…

Cognitive development of eighth-grade students, as identified by Jean Piaget, occurs during a time when many of them are transitioning between concrete operations and formal operations where the ability to think in abstract concepts becomes possible. Because of this period of transition, many eighth-grade students find difficulty in demonstrating…

How people see the world, even how they research it, is influenced by beliefs. Some beliefs are conscious and the result of research, or at least amenable to research. Others are largely invisible. They may feel like "common knowledge" (though myth, not knowledge), unrecognized premises that are part of the surrounding culture. As we…

SProblem solving has a long and successful history in mathematics education and is valued by many teachers as a way to engage and facilitate learning within their classrooms. The potential benefit for using problem solving in the development of algebraic thinking is that "it may broaden and develop students' mathematical thinking beyond the…

The need for global competence in mathematics is apparent. Algebra is considered a gateway course to prepare students for the demands of a competitive global market. Many students demonstrate low performance in algebra; this is especially true for students with disabilities. Effective algebra instruction is essential to increase algebra…

Algebra is a gateway to expanded opportunities, but it often poses difficulty for students with learning disabilities. Consequently, it is essential to identify evidence-based instructional strategies for these students. The authors begin by identifying three areas of algebra difficulty experienced by students with disabilities: cognitive…

Competence in algebra is linked to access to higher education, employment in better-paying jobs, and, increasingly, the ability to earn a high school diploma. For many students with learning disabilities, developing proficiency in algebra represents a challenging, but necessary goal. Teachers of students with learning disabilities need access to…

This research study shows that it is possible to advance the use of proportional reasoning of many secondary school students by means of a well-designed teaching program. (MP)

Experiments by Russian educators on teaching algebra in elementary grades are summarized by the author. The algebra taught consisted of generalized solutions to concrete problems that are usually presented with fixed numerical values. (JP)

Eleven research reports in the area of models of learning mathematics are presented in this publication of the Mathematics Education Reports series. The papers represent a mixture of theories, viewpoints, and references to other areas. Content areas addressed range from preschool to college levels. All the papers are concerned with the learning of…

The theme of the material contained in this annotated resource list is the relationship between teaching and learning mathematics in the specific content area of graphing functions. The list contains 30 articles, papers, and unpublished manuscripts written from 1979 through 1989. The articles treat various aspects of concept formation,…

Provided is an example of the use of the Pythagorean Theorem to give learners experience in applying mathematical rules. A proof for the theorem is included. Precautions and alternatives are discussed. (CW)

Discussed are the philosophy and procedures behind the introduction of algebra to students in grade 7 in Australia. Included are the importance of concrete experiences, language development, and the consequences involved in this procedure. (CW)

Discussed are supercalculator capabilities and possible teaching implications. Included are six examples that use a supercalculator for topics that include volume, graphing, algebra, polynomials, matrices, and elementary calculus. A short review of the research on supercomputers in education and the impact they could have on the curriculum is…