摘要：AbstractThis paper accounts for a study to analyze of the influence of algebra as a procedure for problem solving among compulsory secondary education students. The investigation aims to examine the procedures chosen by compulsory secondary education students to solve mathematical problems which can be solved both by algebraic and arithmetic methods. Furthermore, it also pursues to relate the methodological tendency identified with these learning strategies. The research has been conducted in different public schools located in The Basque Country (Spain) and collects data from 215 students using a questionnaire that comprised of three mathematical problems which could be solved by both arithmetic and algebraic procedures and, additionally, the Motivated Strategies Learning Questionnaire. The conclusions highlight the role that contextual situation plays to encour age students to use algebraic procedures and the relationship between the learning strategies and the tendency to utilize algebraic methods.
