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Developing Algebraic Reasoning

November 17, 2008

Some middle school teachers do not have a deep understanding of algebra. They have difficulty seeing examples of algebraic reasoning in curricula and in the classroom that don't resemble the familiar formulaic versions of algebra. A course developed by Sharon Derry and colleagues helps teachers to shift their focus from examinations of their own mathematical practices to identifying instances of students’ algebraic thinking. The course helps middle school teachers learn to recognize the opportunities in their curriculum to develop algebraic understanding. Teachers learn to decide what representations of such understanding would look like in their students’ work.