What this unit is about
Algebraic expressions are mathematical sentences such as 3x + 4. They do not have an equals sign (=), which makes them different from algebraic equations. Algebraic expressions play an important role in the mathematics curriculum and in mathematics in general. In order to progress and do well in mathematics, students need to be able to read and write expressions, and to be skilled in computations and manipulations of algebraic expressions.
For many students the issue with learning about algebraic expressions is that the work is purely a question of memorising and following algorithms. The power and beauty of algebra to express generality, describe relationships between variables and constants, and explore possibilities in a playful and creative way, is often lost. Algebra and its expressions are considered as the language of mathematics, and are used to describe relationships between people, thoughts, elements and structures. Students often do not experience this in their learning at school and thus cannot see the purpose of learning about algebraic expressions and how they relate to real life, apart from passing mathematics examinations.
This unit will explore some different approaches to teaching algebraic expressions by using and developing contexts to help students see the purpose in algebraic expressions. It will first explore the role of variables and constants in a real-life context; it will then look at the power of substitution and how this can stimulate thinking creatively and learning from misconceptions.
 Pause for thought Think of your own classroom. What do you think are the issues for your students when learning about algebraic expressions? What do you think they like about it? What do they dislike? What do you think they would like to be different? Then think back to when you were learning about algebraic expressions in school – how did you feel? What about it did you like? What about it did you dislike? What would you have liked to be different? |
OpenLearn - Learning from misconceptions: algebraic expressions
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