What Are These Things Called Variables?

1983 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 474-479
Author(s):  
Sigrid Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Algebra Students ◽  
Beginning Algebra ◽  
Literal Symbols

We all know some of the problems that beginning algebra students have in working with literal symbols, or variables. Two articles in this journal (Herscovics and Kieran 1980; Rosnick 1981) have discussed certain difficulties related to variables and have offered suggestions for overcoming them.

An Excel–lent Card Trick

2011 ◽  
Vol 104 (7) ◽  
pp. 526-530
Author(s):  
Holly S. Zullo
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Explanation ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Mathematical Ideas ◽  
Algebra Students ◽  
Beginning Algebra ◽  
Composite Functions ◽  
Floor Function

Card tricks based on mathematical principles can be a great way to get students interested in exploring some important mathematical ideas. Bonomo (2008) describes several variations of a card trick that rely on nested floor functions, but these generally go beyond the reach of beginning algebra students. However, a simple spreadsheet implementation shows students why the card trick works and allows them to explore several variations. As an added bonus, students are introduced to composite functions, the floor function, and iteration, and they learn how to use formulas and the INT function in Microsoft Excel. The depth of the mathematical explanation can be varied according to students' background.

Mathematical Conversations to Transform Algebra Class

2015 ◽  
Vol 108 (9) ◽  
pp. 656-661
Author(s):  
Jennifer Earles Szydlik
Keyword(s):  
Classroom Discussions ◽  
Algebra Students ◽  
Beginning Algebra ◽  
Algebra Class

Three topics worthy of classroom discussions help beginning algebra students create meaning and build understanding as a community.

Early Secondary Mathematics: The Use of Intrigue to Enhance Mathematical Thinking and Motivation in Beginning Algebra

2003 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-96
Author(s):  
Marjorie L. Lewkowicz
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
Mathematical Thinking ◽  
Secondary Mathematics ◽  
Algebra Students ◽  
Beginning Algebra

IN AN EFFORT TO HELP MY BEGINNING ALGEBRA STUDENTS further develop their conceptual understanding of variables, the language of algebra, and other important topics,

Take Time for Action: From Kinesthetic Movement to Algebraic Functions

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 388-391
Author(s):  
Mary G. Goral
Keyword(s):  
Algebraic Function ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Algebraic Reasoning ◽  
Mathematical Functions ◽  
Spatial Intelligence ◽  
Algebra Students ◽  
Beginning Algebra ◽  
Geometric Thinking ◽  
And Algebra ◽  
Pictorial Representations

Are students able to work through a series of geometric spatial activities, discover a pattern, and find an algebraic function? Can they move from using spatial intelligence to number sense to algebraic reasoning? Are they able to connect geometric thinking and algebra, physical models, and numeric relationships? Friel, Rachlin, and Doyle (2001) state, “Explorations that develop from problems that can be solved by using tables, graphs, verbal descriptions, concrete or pictorial representations or algebraic symbols offer opportunities for students to build their understandings of mathematical functions” (p. v). Further, combining physical spatial activities with algebraic reasoning can better engage beginning algebra students in the task at hand. According to Jensen (2001), the kinesthetic arts can provide a significant vehicle that can enhance content-area learning.

What is Going on in Your School?: An experiment in teaching

1955 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 360-365
Author(s):  
Beatrice Buzzetti
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
First Year ◽  
Algebra Students ◽  
Beginning Algebra ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
School Career ◽  
Eighth Grade Students ◽  
School Guidance ◽  
Guidance Department

In the Bremerton school system only those eighth-grade students who receive an arithmetic grade of B or above and those recommended by their mathematics teachers are permitted to study algebra in the ninth grade. Since our senior high-school guidance department urges all students who hope to attend institutions of higher learning to elect beginning algebra sometime during their high-school career, Bremerton gets an older group but a slower group of first-year algebra students.

Constructing and Adapting Technology-Infused Lessons

2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-297
Author(s):  
Jon D. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Design Principles ◽  
Linear Inequalities ◽  
Algebra Students ◽  
Beginning Algebra ◽  
Systems Of Linear Inequalities

Design principles are used to construct and refine a technology-infused lesson for beginning algebra students learning about systems of linear inequalities.

Call for Manuscripts: 2013 Focus Issue: Beginning Algebra: Teaching Key Concepts – March 2012

2012 ◽  
Vol 105 (7) ◽  
pp. 549
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Concepts ◽  
Beginning Algebra ◽  
Key Concepts

This call for manuscripts requests articles that examine ways to teach the key mathematical concepts must learn in a beginning algebra course.

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