The purpose of this project is to choose a challenging concept in school algebra, read about an approach to teaching the topic in school algebra, and create a related interactive classroom activity.  The project assignment counts for 30% of the overall course grade.

Some concepts other teachers have chosen include:

  • problem solving with dividing fractions
  • irrational numbers & mathematical art
  • 7 kinds of number sense
  • math in other subject areas
  • proportional reasoning strategies
  • building math vocabulary
  • virtual manipulatives and fractions
  • equation solving with technology
  • comparing fractions in context
  • building explicit and recursive rules
  • exponential growth in real data
  • problem solving and writing

PART I. CHOOSE A CONCEPT AND FIND A RELATED ARTICLE

Submit Part I to joe.champion@tamucc.edu by Monday, June 18th, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.

Do some research on your chosen topic, find and read a professional article related to teaching the concept, and write a 3-4 page summary. Please use the following two headings in your submission and include the listed content.

Background & Significance (1-2 pages, single-spaced)          15 pts

  • Brief summary of your teaching experience and current perspective on teaching math
  • Clear description of the algebra-related concept you’ve chosen
  • Personal experience with teaching and/or learning your chosen concept
  • Explanation for why you think the concept is challenging
  • At least one credible source supporting the importance of your chosen concept in math

Article Summary (1-2 pages, single-spaced)         10 pts

  • Brief summary of one professional article addressing your chosen concept
  • Description of teaching strategies recommended in the professional article
  • Personal critique of the recommended teaching strategies in the article

References and Formatting         5 pts

  • Typed using professional style (i.e., section headings, paragraphs, consistent formatting)
  • Edited for grammar, clarity, and organization
  • 3-4 pages in length (single spaced, 1” margins, 12pt font)
  • References list in APA style (google ‘apa references’ for examples)

PART II. CREATE AN INQUIRY-BASED CLASSROOM ACTIVITY

Submit Part II to joe.champion@tamucc.edu by Monday, June 25th, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.

The goal of this activity is to use your research in Part I to create and/or modify one inquiry-based classroom activity for a middle school or high school setting.

Quick-Guide for Your Activity           20 pts

  • Exactly one side of one page
  • Description of how your activity promotes algebraic thinking
  • Description of appropriate setting (grade level and/or course)
  • List of relevant state standards
  • Suggested procedure (“how-to” steps) for using the activity
  • Some reasonable ways to adapt the activity for other settings

Lesson Plan          40 pts

  • Outlines at least 50 minutes of student learning
  • Includes carefully chosen tasks for student inquiry
  • Appropriate support for implementation (e.g., question prompts, hints, solution guide)
  • Well-formed extensions  and/or follow-up tasks
  • Strong likelihood for engaging the students in extended inquiry
  • Professional style and appearance, especially typesetting of mathematics symbols
  • Strong originality and/or substantial modifications to existing curriculum

Presentation to your Peers          10 pts

  • Present in 5-8 minutes (no more or less)
  • Include the Quick-Guide
  • Clearly communicate why other teachers will want to use this activity
  • Explain the scope and/or limitations of the activity
  • Summarize what you’ve learned from the project
Posted on June 11, 2012 by Joe Champion » Show Details.