Xs and Whys of Algebra: Key Ideas and Common Misconceptions - Softcover

Collins, Anne; Dacey, Linda

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1571108572 ISBN 13: 9781571108579

Publisher: Routledge, 2011

Synopsis

In many ways, algebra can be as challenging for teachers as it is for students. With so much emphasis placed on procedural knowledge and the manipulations of variables and symbols, it can be easy to lose sight of the key ideas that underlie algebraic thinking and the relevance algebra has to the real world. In the The Xs and Whys of Algebra: Key Ideas and Common Misconceptions, Anne Collins and Linda Dacey provide a set of thirty research-based modules designed to engage all students in mathematical learning that develops conceptual understanding, addresses common misconceptions, and builds key ideas that are essential to future learning.

For use in seventh- to ninth-grade courses focused on an introduction to formal algebra, this flipchart emphasizes five essential algebraic concepts: using variables meaningfully; using multiple representations for expressions; connecting algebra with number; connecting algebra with geometry; and manipulating symbols with understanding. The thirty research-based modules in this spiral-bound flipchart are designed to engage all students in mathematical learning that develops conceptual understanding, addresses common misconceptions, and builds key ideas essential to future learning.

Following the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Common Core State Standards, the modules at this level are organized into three sections: Expressions, Equations, and Functions. Each module begins with the identification of its mathematical focus and the potential challenges and misconceptions associated with those ideas. The "In the Classroom" section then suggests instructional strategies and specific activities to implement with students. The "Meeting Individual Needs" section offers ideas for adjusting the activities to reach a broader range of learners. All modules are supported by one or more reproducibles (located in the appendix), and the "References/Further Reading" section provides resources for enriching your knowledge of the topic and gathering more ideas.

Teachers will want to keep this resource next to their plan book so they will have these ideas at their fingertips throughout the year.

About this title

About the Authors

Anne Collins has thirty years of teaching experience having taught all grade levels K-12 including undergraduate and graduate level courses. She has been providing mathematics content professional development institutes and courses for teachers for the past fourteen years.

She was inducted into the Massachusetts Mathematics Educators Hall of Fame in 2005. She earned the ETACuisenaire Distinguished Service Award in 2011. Anne is the past president of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in New England and the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Massachusetts. She is an active member in the Association of Statewide Supervisors of Mathematics, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.

She is the series editor of NCTM's publication, Assessment Sampler: Tasks Aligned with Principles and Standards of School Mathematics andUsing Classroom Assessment to Improve Student Learning. She is or has served as a mathematics content author for on-line mathematics projects with CISCO, Raytheon, the Jason Foundation for Education and Math Resources. She was also a reviewer for NCTM's Focal Points, and Middle School Mathematics Journal. Anne is an elected member of the NCTM Board of Directors.

Linda Dacey, professor of mathematics and education at Lesley University, began her career teaching at the elementary level and early in her career, received an NSF grant to develop a model program for preparing middle school teachers. She works with pre-service and in-service teachers, helping them to develop both their content knowledge and their practice. Her commitment to the quality of mathematics education was noted when she was inducted into the Massachusetts Mathematics Educators Hall of Fame. She is a reviewer for NCTM's Teaching Children Mathematics, was guest editor for the recent issue of the New England Mathematics Journal's issue on equity, and a prolific writer of books and resource materials for both teachers and writers. Her research focuses on problem solving, number sense, and strategies for differentiation.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1571108572
• ISBN 13: 9781571108579
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 84