algebraic expressions

Evidence shows that transforming expressions is a major stumbling block for many algebra students. Using Sfard's (1991) theory of reification, I highlight the important roles that the process of parsing and the notions of subexpression and structural template play in competent expression transformation. Based on these observations, I argue that one reason students struggle with expression transformation is the inattentiveness of traditional curricula to parsing, subexpressions, and structural templates. However, simply refocusing attention on these ignored aspects of algebra will ...