Abstract: Visualization representations played an important role in the course of algebra story problems solving. There were primarily four visualization representation theories: visual-logic two dimensional theories, interpret-transform model, imagery representation theory and schema-picture representation theory, all of which were of its own unique methodological values. The visualization representations were affected by stimulating factors: the degree of visualization, cognitive loading as well as cognitive factors: self-efficacy. Finally, based on recent researches, the paper pointed out the advancement and the trends of development of theory, methods and influential factors in this area.

Key words: algebra story problems, visualization representation, image representation, pictorial representation, schema representation