Presents a summary report of the Algebra Working Group's discussion subgroup on tertiary algebra at the Seventh International Conference on Mathematical Education held in Quebec City, Canada in August 1992. (MKR)

Explains how number work in elementary school can be extended to prepare students for algebra. Suggests some practical strategies that focus on five aspects of number knowledge essential for algebra learning. (ASK)

This study compared the effectiveness of a videodisc algebra program with a traditional text-based program with 26 students with learning disabilities in a summer transition-to-college program. The videodisc group significantly outperformed the control group on posttest measures of algebra skill and also earned significantly higher grades in their…

This paper discusses a pedagogical technique called the discovery approach in teaching remedial and college algebra. Examples of how to introduce and enhance some algebra topics using this approach in mathematics classrooms are illustrated. It is argued that student performance would improve if more topics were presented in a discovery fashion.…

This paper brings a teacher's perspective to bear on recent policy initiatives requiring all high school graduates to complete an Algebra One course. The paper is based on the teacher's experience in teaching high school students who have not been successful in mathematics, at Holt High School in Michigan. The teacher is caught between a desire to…

Cooperative student work often fails to generate individual understanding of abstract algebra materials. Suggests techniques that enable abstract algebra students to master proofs and enhance cooperative work. (Author/ASK)

Discusses reasons for using spreadsheets in mathematics education. Presents mathematics activities for beginning algebra classes using spreadsheets. (ASK)

As times change, so has the role of algebra in the educational program. The Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP) offers secondary students an opportunity to learn algebra in a college preparatory sequence that combines basic skills, problem solving, and conceptual understanding while integrating algebra into a problem-based program. Designed for…

Based on the experiences as a researcher and teacher in lower-track, high school Algebra One classrooms, this book illuminates the complex dynamics of the algebra classroom and explores how to really know students, how to find engaging material, and how to inspire meaningful classroom conversations. A teacher's evolving understandings of his…

Middle school algebra classes were observed to examine the multiple variables interacting in learning of algebra. Middle school algebra classes were especially informative because of the significant impact of the students' cognitive development transitions from concrete to formal operations. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (1989)…

Describes a series of lessons in which 6th grade students explore notions of rates of change and their effect on the shapes of graphs. Addresses aspects of the algebra content standard for the middle grades. (YDS)

Described are two examples involving recursive mathematical sequences designed to integrate a holistic approach to learning algebra. These examples promote pattern recognition with algebraic justification, full class participation, and mathematical values that can be transferred to other situations. (MDH)

Describes an action research project conducted in eighth-grade algebra and prealgebra classes. Suggests ways in which students can use their creativity to progress from a simple solution method to a method that produces a generalization and a formula. (AIM)

Four classes (n=53) of Basic Algebra and five classes (n=50) of Intermediate Algebra in a community college setting were randomly assigned to sections either using or not using computer assisted instruction (CAI) supplemental to classroom instruction. Based on standardized pre- and posttest scores, students using supplemental CAI in Basic Algebra…

The percentage of high school students passing the first semester Algebra 1A final exam in January 2000 dropped precipitously from the passing rate one year earlier. That decline in final exam passing rates was due largely to the adoption among all schools of a uniform algebra exam combined with a system-wide uniform grading scale. High school…