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Using Patterns to Develop Algebraic Thinking (middle/high)
This course is designed for middle-school math teachers, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Over the course of six sessions, participants will explore ideas and questions related to the nature of algebraic thinking, the relationship between mathematical thinking and algebraic thinking, and methods for encouraging the development of algebraic thinking in middle school students. The course will culminate in the development of a final product for participants to use in the classroom.
Goals and Products
This course will enable participants to
- Pose questions that encourage the development of algebraic thinking
- Develop an understanding of mathematical and algebraic thinking
- Recognize and build on opportunities for algebraic thinking in a variety of mathematics contexts
- Analyze students' algebraic thinking
As a final product, participants will develop a lesson plan that incorporates the key concepts of the course.
Format and Requirements
This course is divided into six one-week sessions which each include readings, an activity, and an online discussion among course participants. The time for completing each session is estimated to be two to four hours.
The outline for the course is as follows:
| Session One | What is Algebraic Thinking? |
| Session Two | Exploring Algebraic Thinking in Patterns - Examining Your Own Thinking |
| Session Three | Analyzing Students' Algebraic Thinking about Patterns |
| Session Four | Using Teacher Questioning to Develop Algebraic Thinking |
| Session Five | Conducting a Student Interview |
| Session Six | Developing a Lesson Plan on Patterns and Algebraic Thinking |
In the first two sessions, participants will explore the nature of algebraic thinking and consider their own thinking process when solving patterns problems. Sessions Three through Five focus on methods for uncovering and analyzing students' algebraic thinking, through the examination of student work, questioning techniques and student interviews. In the final session, participants will review the key concepts of the course and develop a lesson plan that incorporates those concepts.
Please note: In Session Five, participants will be asked to interview two middle school students, and should plan ahead to arrange for the interviews. Participants who are not currently teaching may choose to interview middle school children they know, a family member or even a colleague.
Prerequisites
Participants are expected to have regular access to computers. In addition, participants should be proficient with using email, browsing the Internet, and navigating to computer files.
Content and Technology Standards
This course, Using Patterns to Develop Algebraic Thinking, will help participants meet the National Council of Mathematics (NCTM) Algebra Standards for Grades 6-8, especially Standards I,II, III, IV, V and VI.
Reproduced with permission from Education Development Center, Inc.,
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