Encountering Algebra

Chapter 1: School Algebra.- Chapter 2: Researching Classrooms in Search of Learning: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations.- Chapter 3: The VIDEOMAT Project: Theoretical Considerations and Methodological Procedures.- Chapter 4: Participation and Mathematization in Introductory Algebra Classrooms: The Case of Sweden.- Chapter 5: Designed Examples as Mediating Tools: Introductory Algebra in Two Norwegian Grade 8 Classrooms.- Chapter 6: Learning to Solve Equations in Three Swedish-speaking Classrooms in Finland.- Chapter 7: How Teachers Introduce Algebra and How it Might Affect Students' Beliefs About What it Means to "Do" Mathematics.- Chapter 8: The Fifth Lesson: Students' Responses to a Patterning Task Across the Four Countries.- Chapter 9: Encouraging Algebraic Reasoning in Contemporary Classrooms: Some Observations and a Synthesis.

Cecilia Kilhamn received her Ph. D. in Mathematics Education 2011 at Gothenburg University. Cecilia has a background as an elementary school teacher and has worked with teacher education the last 15 years. Her main interest is mathematics education in primary and elementary school, with a particular focus on early algebra. After her dissertation she was responsible for the Swedish part of an international research project involving four countries (VIDEOMAT). The project included conducting interviews and video observations in algebra classrooms and making in-depth as well as comparative analyses of video data. A research interest in the use of mathematical language, representations and metaphors that was initiated in her thesis has been further developed in several projects in recent years, including collaborations with colleagues at Mathematics in the City at City College of New York. In her work with in-service teachers, Cecilia has also supervised many Learning Studies, where the use of Variation theory is a main feature. In addition to her research interests and teaching duties Cecilia writes material for teachers, and translates and reviews American or English books about mathematics education. She is a member of the board of the Swedish Society for Mathematics Education (SMDF) and part of the Nordic Network for Algebra Learning (N2AL). Cecilia is currently a guest editor for the Nordic mathematics education research journal NOMAD. 

Roger Säljö specializes in research on learning, interaction and human development in a sociocultural perspective, where he has published extensively. Much of this work is related to issues of how people learn to use cultural tools and how we acquire competences and skills that are foundational to learning in a socially and technologically complex society. In recent years, he has worked extensively with issues that concern how digital technologies transform human learning practices inside and

"This book is a valuable resource for those who are interested in studying either the teaching and learning of algebra or similarities and differences in mathematics instruction around the world. ... the book provides an interesting and enlightening glimpse into how algebra is introduced to students around the world." (Erica R. Miller, MAA Reviews, May 24, 2020)