Educational Algebra: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach

Disciplines such as Linguistics, Logic, Psycholinguistics, Semiotics, general Cognitive Psychology, Mathematics Psychology, Mathematics Epistemology, History of Mathematics, and others have carried out research on the same topics approached by Mathematics Education and have redefined their results within the framework of their respective fields. Specifically, theorists in Linguistics, Information Processing and Didactics of Mathematics have done important work on the notion of code. Today, this notion is a key element to interpreting the idea of representation in the new explanatory models of cognitive problems placed by alternative teaching approaches, including those involving a technological environment. Additionally, Psycholinguistics and Artificial Intelligence in procedural models of human abilities have intended to explain how and why users of mathematical language naturally and commonly make mistakes in syntactical procedures.

Educational Algebra: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach adds to previous developments with priority given to a pragmatic perspective on "meaning in use" over "formal meaning". The bulk of these approaches and others of similar nature have lead to a focus on competence rather than on a user’s activity with mathematical language.

Such a shift in perspective has fundamental implications on the way mathematical language is studied. Essentially, Grammar—the abstract formal system—and Pragmatics—the principles of the use of language—are complementary domains in this volume. Both are related to different teaching models, whether new or traditional, used in helping students to become competent users of Algebra. Because of this, Educational Algebra: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach will be of interest to researchers and practitioners within the mathematics education field.