Children's understanding of equations at Form II level

Abstract

Algebra is known to be one of the most difficult areas for students in Mathematics. The research being presented investigates local students' understanding of algebra at an early stage in their learning by examining their understanding of equations at Form II Level. A written test was constructed for this purpose, mainly consisting of linear equations involving one unknown. This test was carried out with a sample of 116 female students attending a local Junior Lyceum. An analysis was made of their responses to the items presented in order to identify the students' understanding of the equality symbol, the usage of the letter, algebraic expressions, the representation of word problems into equations, equation solving, arithmetical and non-arithmetical equations as well as the procedural and structural operations involved in algebra. The results of this analysis reveal that students experience great difficulties in developing a structural conception of equations at such an early stage in their learning of algebra.