An investigation of learners' symbol sense and interpretation of letters in early algebraic learning

[摘要] Research in early algebra is critical because a smooth transition from arithmetic toalgebra will influence future algebra learning that is central to school mathematics.This study investigated learners’ interpretation of letters in different levels ofgeneralised arithmetic activities. Thirty grade nine learners from one inner city schoolparticipated in this study. All learners engaged with seventeen paper and pencil tasksencompassing six different interpretations of letters and six learners were theninterviewed.Analysis of the data showed that the overall performance of learners was very poorand most learners have not been successful in making the transition from arithmetic toalgebra. Learner responses suggested a strong arithmetical influence and a poorunderstanding of algebraic letter and basic manipulative skills. Throughout the data anumber of misconceptions surfaced which suggested that most learners in this samplewere lacking 'symbol sense’.

[发布机构] University of the Witwatersrand