Pedagogical representations refer to the representations that teachers and students use
in their classroom as expressions of mathematical knowledge. They help explain
concepts, relationships, connections, or problem solving processes. In mathematics
instruction, some representations might be more effective than others as expressions of
knowledge and thinking tools to explain problem-solving processes (Cobb et al., 1992;
Leinhardt, 2001). Choosing pedagogically sound representations is an important
decision to make when a teacher selects instructional strategies for the mathematics
classroom. To select a desirable pedagogical representation, a teacher should integrate
at least two perspectives for consideration: the nature of the mathematical content
being taught and the minds of students learning the content (Ball, 1993). First, the
representation should highlight the features of the mathematics content the teacher wants to teach.