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This study explores how students learn to create, discuss, and reason with representations to solve problems. A summer school algebra class for seventh and eighth graders provided opportunities for students to create and use representations as problem-solving tools. This case study follows the learning trajectories of three boys. Two of the three boys had been low-achievers in their previous math classes, and one was a high achiever. Analysis of all three boys’ written work reveals how their representations became more sophisticated over time. Their small group interactions while problem-solving also show changes in how they communicated and reasoned with representations. For these boys, representation functioned as a learning practice. Through constructing and reasoning with representations, the boys were able to engage in generalizing and justifying claims, discuss quadratic growth, and collaborate and persist in problem-solving. Negotiating different student-constructed representations of a problem also gave them opportunities to act with agency, as they made choices and judgments about the validity of the different perspectives. These findings have implications for the importance of giving all students access to mathematics through representations, with representational thinking serving as a central disciplinary practice and as a learning practice that supports further mathematics learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of students who leave U.S. schools mathematically underprepared has prompted widespread concern. Low achieving students, many of whom have been turned off mathematics, are often placed in low tracks and given remedial, skills-oriented work. This study examines a different approach wherein heterogeneous groups of students were given responsibility and agency and asked to engage in a range of mathematical practices collaboratively. The teaching intervention, which was introduced in the first paper, took place as part of a summer class on algebra, and it gave students the opportunity to participate with mathematics in changed ways. This paper will report evidence that the vast majority responded with increased engagement, achievement, and enjoyment. The students chose collaboration and agency as critical to their improved relationships with mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reform movements have emphasized students making meaning of algebraic relationships; however, research on student thinking and learning often remains disconnected from the design of widely used curricular materials. Although a previous examination of algebra textbooks (Nathan, Long, & Alibali, 2002) demonstrated a preference for a symbols-first approach, research has demonstrated that Algebra I students' performance on verbally presented problems is better than on symbolic equations, consistent with cognitive theories suggesting the value of concreteness fading. The present study investigates whether current textbooks used in Algebra I courses demonstrate a formalisms-first approach using five different analyses. Results show that despite nearly 2 decades of research on student learning, the conventional textbooks used in most classrooms have been resistant to change and emphasize manipulation with symbols prior to making sense of verbal scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There exists an increased focus on school mathematics, especially first-year algebra, due to recent efforts for all students to be college and career ready. In addition, there are calls, policies, and legislation advocating for all students to study algebra epitomized by four rationales of the Algebra for All movement. In light of this movement, there must be a clear consensus about what is taught in the name of algebra. Yet, researchers documented this is not the case. The present research proposes to unify the leading algebra standards and assessment framework documents to identify the key ideas of algebra. The analysis resulted in six key ideas: (a) Variables, (b) Functions, (c) Patterns, (d) Modeling, (e) Technology, and (f) Multiple Representations. Outlined is the research process and resulting unification of existing algebra framework documents, and consideration is given for its uses in educational policy regarding algebra and potential directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] We present a review of literature on prerequisite algebra skills and associated misconceptions of middle grade students. [•] We use the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics content domains and standards for mathematical practice as an organizing framework. [•] This review sheds light on the need for pre-service and in-service teachers of mathematics at the middle grades to be fully aware of student misunderstandings. [•] Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]