• School Mathematics
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.141-160
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• 2007

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate how students apply prior knowledge or experience in solving algebra word problems from the chain of signification-based perspective. Three middle school students were evaluated in this case study. The results showed that the subjects formed similarities in the process of applying knowledge needed for solving a problem. The student A and C used semi-open-end formulas and closed formulas as solutions. They then formed concrete shape for each solution using the chain of signification that was applied for solution by forming procedural similarity. At this time, the chain of signification could be the combination of numbers, words, and pictures (such as diagrams or graphs) or just numbers or words. On the other hand, the student C who recognized closed formulas and her own rule as a solution method could not formulate completely procedural similarity due to many errors arising from number information. Nonetheless, all of the subjects showed something in common in the process of coming up with a algorithm that was semi-open-end formula or closed formula.

• School Mathematics
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.445-468
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• 2012

This study is tried in order to link informal arithmetic reasoning to formal algebraic reasoning. In this study, we investigated elementary school student's non-formal algebraic reasoning used in algebraic problem solving. The result of we investigated algebraic reasoning of 839 students from grade 1 to 6 in two schools, Korea, we could recognize that they used various arithmetic reasoning and pre-formal algebraic reasoning which is the other than that is proposed in the text book in word problem solving related to the linear systems of equation. Reasoning strategies were diverse depending on structure of meaning and operational of problems. And we analyzed the cause of failure of reasoning in algebraic problem solving. Especially, 'quantitative reasoning', 'proportional reasoning' are turned into 'non-formal method of substitution' and 'non-formal method of addition and subtraction'. We discussed possibilities that we are able to connect these pre-formal algebraic reasoning to formal algebraic reasoning.

• The Mathematical Education
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.371-388
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• 2007

This is a case study trying to understand from the view of affordance which certain three middle school students perceive an activation of previous knowledge in the course of problem solving when they solve algebra word problems with a previous knowledge. The results of this study showed that at first, every subjects perceived the text as affordance which explaining superficial similarities, that is, a working(painting)situation rather than problem structure and then activated the related solution knowledge on the ground of the experience of previous problem solving which is similar to current situation. The subject's applying process for solving knowledge could be arranged largely into two types. The first type is a numeral information connected with the described problem situation or a symbolic representation of mathematical meaning which are the transformed solution applied process with a suitable solution formula to the current problem. This process achieved by constructing a virtual mental model that indicating mathematical situation about the problem when the solver read the problem integrating symbolized information from the described text. The second type is a case that those subjects symbolizing a formal mathematical concept which is not connected with the problem situation about the described numeral information from the applied problem or the text of mathematical meaning, which process is the case to perceive superficial phrases or words that described from the problem as affordance and then applied previously used algorithmatical formula as it was. In conclusion, on the ground of the results of this case study, it is guessed that many students put only algorithmatical knowledge in their memories through previous experiences of problem solving, and the memories are connected with the particular phrases described from the problems. And it is also recognizable when the reflection process which is the last step of problem solving carried out in the process of understanding the problem and making a plan showed the most successful in problem solving.

• Journal of the Korean School Mathematics Society
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.507-539
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• 2014

The algebra is an important tool influencing on a mathematics in general. To make good use of the algebra, it is necessary to transfer from a given situation to a proper algebraic representation. But some research in related to algebraic word problems have reported the difficulty changing to a proper algebraic representation. Our study have focused on transformation and elaboration of algebraic representation. We investigated in detail the responses and perceptions of 29 Grade 7 students while transforming to algebraic representation, only concentrating on the literature expression form the problematic situations given. Most of students showed difficulties in transforming both descriptive and geometric problems to algebraic representation. 10% of them responded wrong answers except only a problem. Four of them were interviewed individually to show their thinking and find the factor influencing on a positive elaboration. As results, we could find some characteristics of their thinking including the misconception that regard the problem finding a functional formula because there are the variables x and y in the problematic situation. In addition, we could find the their fixation which student have to set up the equation. Furthermore we could check that making student explain own algebraic representation was able to become the factor influencing on a positive elaboration. From these, we also discussed about several didactical implications.