The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of Learning Logic, an integrated-learning system, by high school students in Algebra I had a significant effect on the performance of these students when they subsequently enrolled in a traditionally taught Algebra II course. Four high schools were selected in which Learning Logic was used for…

This document presents ideas and activities for teaching algebra. The section on "Week by Week Essentials" provides seven resources in a weekly format. It includes writing ideas that provide an algebra prompt and requires students to organize their thoughts and present them in a coherent fashion, and connections to the real world that…

The pre-algebra lexicon is a set of classroom exercises designed to teach the technical words and phrases of pre-algebra mathematics, and includes the terms most commonly found in related mathematics courses. The lexicon has three parts, each with its own introduction. The first introduces vocabulary items in three groups forming a learning…

Describes how to use homemade tiles, sketches, and the box method to reach a broader group of students for successful algebra learning. Provides a list of concepts appropriate for such an approach. (KHR)

This document was designed to help teachers and other school district personnel plan and teach Algebra I and Algebra II in the junior high and high schools. An overview of the Algebra I and Algebra II courses presents the philosophy of algebra instruction for Texas schools, the expected use of technology in mathematics instruction, teacher…

Describes a technique that uses cellular telephones and their rates to enliven the topic of linear equations in a college algebra course. Uses mathematics to select a cellular telephone plan from a vendor. Enables students to use and connect the ideas of functions, equations, graphs, and applications. (DDR)

Discusses algebra teaching by looking back into the history of algebra and the work of George Peacock, who considered algebra from two points of view: symbolic and instrumental. Claims that, to be meaningful, algebra must be linked to real-world problems. (18 references) (MKR)

This issue of Mathematics Education Dialogues focuses on the nature and the role of algebra in the K-14 curriculum. Articles on this theme include: (1) "Algebra For All? Why?" (Nel Noddings); (2) "Algebra For All: It's a Matter of Equity, Expectations, and Effectiveness" (Dorothy S. Strong and Nell B. Cobb); (3) "Don't Delay: Build and Talk about…

Examines arithmetic and algebra knowledge from a cognitive perspective in an effort to determine what constitutes a pre-algebraic level of understanding. Presents results of a longitudinal study designed to investigate students' readiness for algebra. Proposes a model for the transition from arithmetic to pre-algebra to algebra. Contains 29…

Mathematical meanings can be developed when individuals construct translations between algebra symbol systems and physical systems that represent one another. Previous research studies indicated (1) few high school students connect whole number manipulations to algebraic manipulations and (2) students who encounter algebraic ideas through…

Discusses mathematical thinking and problems posed by seventh- grade students as part of a unit on the study of algebraic ideas. The unit involves showing how variables cause changes and also incorporates the solving of systems of equations by constructing line-graph drawings and combination charts. (AIM)

Presents evaluative work based on the computer algebra system (CAS) TREEFROG which enables drill-and-practice examples to be attempted with immediate, and ultimately intelligent, feedback. Contends that by using a suitable repertoire of black and white box CAS, a full range of algebraic skills can be developed. Presents preliminary evidence based…

Explains that the way in which teachers view algebra has important implications for their instructional goals such as algebra as symbol manipulation versus algebra as a language for generalizing arithmetic. Contains 14 references. (ASK)

Computer algebra systems have great potential uses, but learning the basic concepts of algebra is itself a mathematical activity. Explores theoretical concepts that may be seen as essential enabling skills for computer algebra systems users. (Author/ASK)

The increasing availability of computer algebra systems (CAS) for the high school classroom is expected to have a significant effect on how algebra is taught, when it is taught, and the expected learning types. This paper reports on a computer algebra approach to the teaching of algebra to 13-16 year old students in a high school in Melbourne,…