Encountering Algebra

A Comparative Study of Classrooms in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the USA

Roger Säljö editor Cecilia Kilhamn editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Published:14th Aug '20

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Encountering Algebra cover

The book reports a comparative research project about algebra teaching and learning in four countries. Algebra is a central topic of learning across the world, and it is well-known that it represents a hurdle for many students. The book presents analyses built on extensive video-recordings of classrooms documenting the first introduction to symbolic algebra (students aged 12 to 14). While the content addressed in all classrooms is variables, expressions and equations, the teaching approaches are diverse. The chapters bring the reader into different algebra classrooms, discussing issues such as mathematization and social norms, the role of mediating tools and designed examples, and teacher beliefs. By comparing classrooms, new insights are generated about how students understand the algebraic content, how teachers instruct, and how both parties deal with difficulties in learning elementary algebra. The book also describes a research methodology using video in search of taken-for-grantedaspects of algebra lessons.

“This book is a valuable resource for those who are interested in studying either the teaching and learning of algebra or similarities and differences in mathematics instruction around the world. … the book provides an interesting and enlightening glimpse into how algebra is introduced to students around the world.” (Erica R. Miller, MAA Reviews, May 24, 2020)

ISBN: 9783030175795

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

263 pages

1st ed. 2019