ARITHMETICAL AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING lN PROBLEM-SOLVINGl (original) (raw)

The fact that students have difficulty acquiring and developing algebraic procedures in problem-solving. considering the arithmetical experience that they have acquired over years. calls for a didactic rej1ection on the nature of the conceptual changes which mark the transitionfrom one mode oftreatment to the other. ln this perspective. our study seeks ID characterize the spontaneous problem-solving strategies used by Secondary III level students (14-and-15-year-olds), wha have already taken one algebra course. when solving different problems. The analysis of the problem-solving procedures developed by thesê students reveals the differences beIWeen the conceptual basis which underlie the IWOmodes of thought.