Is algebra really difficult for all students?

dc.creator	Gunawardena Egodawatte
dc.date	2009-12-01T00:00:00Z
dc.date.accessioned	2015-07-20T22:11:34Z
dc.date.available	2015-07-20T22:11:34Z
dc.identifier	2065-1430
dc.identifier	https://doaj.org/article/df8afe414deb4599b41a77f1859bec13
dc.identifier.uri	http://evidence.thinkportal.org/handle/123456789/14500
dc.description	Research studies have shown that students encounter difficulties in transitioning from arithmetic to algebra. Errors made by high school students were analyzed for patterns and their causes. The origins of errors were: intuitive assumptions, failure to understand the syntax of algebra, analogies with other familiar symbol systems such as the English alphabet and interference from arithmetic. There were other psychological factors such as carelessness, anxiety, overconfidence, and lack of motivation. Three major error types are discussed with their causes using a cognitive psychological approach. Solution methods of another group of students show that they were eager to use algebraic methods over arithmetic procedures even though arithmetic procedures are more straightforward. The paper argues that creative methods used by some students should be used to reinforce the learning of other students.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca
dc.relation	http://adn.teaching.ro/
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/2065-1430
dc.source	Acta Didactica Napocensia, Vol 2, Iss 4, Pp 101-106 (2009)
dc.subject	Algebra
dc.subject	error analysis
dc.subject	misconceptions in algebra
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.title	Is algebra really difficult for all students?
dc.type	article