Assessing students’ emerging awareness of algebraic structure

Paper in proceeding, 2025

To solve linear equations, students need not only to understand algebraic procedures and concepts but also to identify relevant features of the equation and interpret the structure to be able to begin the solving process. This can be challenging if the equation is presented in an unfamiliar format, such as with non-natural numbers or new symbols. In this paper, we explore the features that 16-year-old students in vocational education focus on when sorting equations. The results show that students focus on a diversity of features when grouping equations together. We also discuss the potential of the task to assess students’ algebraic structure sense.