Comments on: Fourteen Factors of a Successful Algebra Program – by Brad Fulton http://www.mrlsmath.com/teacher-to-teacher-press/fourteen-factors-of-a-successful-algebra-program-by-brad-fulton/ Tools & Techniques for Math Teachers and Students Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:53:05 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.1 hourly 1 By: blombard http://www.mrlsmath.com/teacher-to-teacher-press/fourteen-factors-of-a-successful-algebra-program-by-brad-fulton/comment-page-1/#comment-473 blombard Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:59:56 +0000 http://www.mrlsmath.com/?p=609#comment-473 Hi Ed, Collaborative planning time for teachers is, unfortunately, in short supply in many schools. I've always found it rewarding talking with others regarding methods of teaching because it gives me new insights. In spite of saying that, no single method works for all learners, so it's always good to have lots of tools in your teacher's belt to try to reach the most kids. "Teachers watching other teachers teach" is a powerful curriculum development tool, even if there is no district funding/support for staff development. Change will naturally occur for the betterment of students. Cheers, - Mr. L Hi Ed,
Collaborative planning time for teachers is, unfortunately, in short supply in many schools. I’ve always found it rewarding talking with others regarding methods of teaching because it gives me new insights. In spite of saying that, no single method works for all learners, so it’s always good to have lots of tools in your teacher’s belt to try to reach the most kids. “Teachers watching other teachers teach” is a powerful curriculum development tool, even if there is no district funding/support for staff development. Change will naturally occur for the betterment of students.
Cheers,
- Mr. L

]]> By: j edward ladenburger http://www.mrlsmath.com/teacher-to-teacher-press/fourteen-factors-of-a-successful-algebra-program-by-brad-fulton/comment-page-1/#comment-471 j edward ladenburger Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:22:57 +0000 http://www.mrlsmath.com/?p=609#comment-471 Solid suggestions. Regarding #3: <blockquote cite="3. Use collaborative time to develop continuity along grade levels for algebraic instruction. Use common vocabulary, strategies, and teaching techniques to avoid students having to memorize extraneous information. For example, how do you teach students to approach solving equations?"> Have you had success in fostering agreement on a particular format/algorithm/method for "solving equations"? And at what level -- within a school, a district, statewide? I recall struggling within our county school system to come to agreement on THE way to "show work" even for single variable linear equations. Just curious :-) Ed</blockquote> Solid suggestions. Regarding #3:

Have you had success in fostering agreement on a particular format/algorithm/method for “solving equations”?
And at what level — within a school, a district, statewide?

I recall struggling within our county school system to come to agreement on THE way to “show work” even for single variable linear equations.
Just curious :-)

Ed

]]> By: blombard http://www.mrlsmath.com/teacher-to-teacher-press/fourteen-factors-of-a-successful-algebra-program-by-brad-fulton/comment-page-1/#comment-469 blombard Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:13:53 +0000 http://www.mrlsmath.com/?p=609#comment-469 Dr. Sanford Aranoff has authored “<i>Teaching and Helping Students Think and Do Better: Things to Help Students Think and To Do Better in School and In Life</i>”. You can find this on amazon.com. The book was published in 2007; all reviews are 5 Star and quite enthusiastic. Having an approach such as this helps all students connect new concepts with old ones and strengthens both number sense and algebra sense. - Mr. L Dr. Sanford Aranoff has authored “Teaching and Helping Students Think and Do Better: Things to Help Students Think and To Do Better in School and In Life”. You can find this on amazon.com.
The book was published in 2007; all reviews are 5 Star and quite enthusiastic. Having an approach such as this helps all students connect new concepts with old ones and strengthens both number sense and algebra sense.
- Mr. L

]]> By: Dr. Sanford Aranoff http://www.mrlsmath.com/teacher-to-teacher-press/fourteen-factors-of-a-successful-algebra-program-by-brad-fulton/comment-page-1/#comment-468 Dr. Sanford Aranoff Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:52:03 +0000 http://www.mrlsmath.com/?p=609#comment-468 Very good. First start with natural numbers, then whole numbers, then integers. Move in steps. One step at a time, each step a logical statement. See "Teaching and Helping Students Think and Do Better" on amazon. Very good. First start with natural numbers, then whole numbers, then integers. Move in steps. One step at a time, each step a logical statement. See “Teaching and Helping Students Think and Do Better” on amazon.

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