Teaching Algebra
Louette's description of how she teaches algebra to her students.
I developed a method of starting to teach algebra a number of years ago - getting the boys to invent it themselves since any mention of the word 'algebra' got an instant and negative "I can't do that" reaction.
I start with 'Spud the Airport Manager' problem (yes, he was a real person in that job):
Next step (a few lessons later) is to have food in each type, so they learn that 9L can be done as 9 x 3 jelly beans = 27 jelly beans and means they can substitute numbers for letters.
Once the boys are comfortable with this and proficient at doing it, we go on to solving equations:
This gives the boys a basic method of attack in 2 simple rules - SAMDEB is the order, and 'do the opposite operation'.
The boys start with simple equations and can rapidly work up to 3x/2 -15 = 28
NOTE: I do NOT give them whole number answers in most cases or they just tend to guess. Some people teach a 'back track' method, but I find the boys do not learn to write out simple, clear steps downward and instead do a 'run on sentence' type of maths, or get stuck if there is an x on both sides of an equation. I've taught 'bottom band' maths classes this way and even the least able and most scared can manage.
Now that I just do day relief teaching, I find even classes above year 9 level have a problem with algebra and do a basic lesson on this, often to "why did no one tell us this before? That makes it much easier."
Some boys need a more 'physical' method and I have resorted to using numbers on sticky labels on a board, where the boys actually pick up and move the sticky labels/numbers to solve an equation.
Rearranging equations such as F=mgh or a= (vel 2 - vel 1)/t just uses the same rules, you are just moving the letters rather than a number.
The main thing boys must do is practice on lots of problems of assorted variations.
Louette's description of how she teaches algebra to her students.
A description of the 'Spud the Airport Manager' activity.
A step by step example, with a related worksheet.
Help your children to understand algebra word problems.
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