Description:This book presents a wide-ranging, international perspective on the state of the field of algebra from invited participants to the 12th ICMI Study conference held in Melbourne, Australia in 2001. The authors are renowned academics from all around the world who have written individual chapters associated with the teaching and learning of algebra that relate to their particular areas of research and teaching expertise. The book includes information about different approaches to the teaching and learning of algebra - from early algebra to tertiary algebra, the impact of tools and technology (including Computer Algebra Systems), the role of symbols and language, teachers of algebra, and the history of algebra.