The Learning and Teaching of Algebra

The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with both a practical and research-informed introduction to the main issues in school algebra education which nowadays remains one of the core challenges of mathematics education in general. The book will enable readers to: identify and emphasize the big ideas of algebra; imbue teaching with a sense of purpose (why algebra? what is it for? In which ways does it empower to better understand real world situations and solve interesting problems?); understand how students think about algebra and design lessons accordingly; critically pursue assessment tools; use technology for algebra learning.