Content area
The current critical situation of the mathematical performance of Elementary and High School students in Brazil has been exposed by national and international research and educators have been deeply concerned about reverting it. Many times Mathematical thinking and the use of algebraic language are not developed properly in Mathematics classes. This article aims at offering directions that may contribute to the improvement in the teaching of algebra. In order to achieve this goal, the text briefly presents historical aspects in order to explain the current scenario of algebra teaching, discusses the problem involving the different conceptions of algebra and the development of algebraic thinking, and also presents reflections to contribute to the discussions related to the initial and continuing education of Mathematics teachers.