Background Information for Teachers

Being expected to teach algebra—at any level of middle school—can arouse anxiety. Questions may range from the actual teaching of the material to the content knowledge needed to teach such an abstract subject. The first three resources here speak directly to these questions. Each is a professional course offered free and online. The next two are large sets of activities, virtual treasure troves!

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Insights into Algebra 1: Teaching for Learning http://learner.org/resources/series196.html

In this online professional development workshop for middle and high school teachers, participants explore strategies for teaching 16 topics found in most Algebra 1 programs. In each session, teachers view two half-hour videos that feature effective strategies for teaching specific algebra topics. Then, using a workshop guide, teachers participate in activities designed to help them incorporate these strategies in their own practice. From Annenberg/CPB: Teacher Professional Development.

Learning Math: Patterns, Functions, and Algebra http://learner.org/resources/series140.html

An online course designed for K-8 teachers who want to explore or deepen their understanding of the "big ideas" in algebraic thinking. Each of 10 sessions centers on a topic, such as understanding linearity and proportional reasoning or exploring algebraic structure. The teacher-friendly design includes video, problem-solving activities, and case studies that show you how to apply what you have learned in your own classroom. From Annenberg/CPB: Teacher Professional Development.

Algebra in Simplest Terms http://learner.org/resources/series66.html

This video series could be valuable for teachers who want to review algebra. Intended for high school classrooms and adult learners, the course offers 26 half-hour video programs and coordinated books. From Annenberg/CPB: Teacher Professional Development.

Algebra Problem of the Week http://mathforum.org/algpow/

You will find excellent algebra problems from a variety of sources here, at varying levels of difficulty. The problems challenge students to think through their solutions and put them in writing. A small subscription fee is charged for entry to the problems section. MSP full record

King's List of On-line Math Activities http://www.k111.k12.il.us/king/math.htm

This comprehensive site contains links to numerous online math activities. What makes it invaluable to the teacher is its listing of specific topics. For example, under Pre-algebra/Algebra, you will find links to activities on functions machines, order of operations, and solving equations. MSP full record

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Copyright June 2006 — The Ohio State University. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0424671. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.