Understanding the development of flexibility in struggling algebra students
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Understanding the development of flexibility in struggling algebra students
| Title: | Understanding the development of flexibility in struggling algebra students |
| Author: |
Newton, Kristie; Star, Jon R; Lynch, Kathleen Helen
Note: Order does not necessarily reflect citation order of authors. |
| Citation: | Newton, Kristie J., Jon R. Star, and Kathleen Lynch. 2010. Understanding the development of flexibility in struggling algebra students. Mathematical Thinking & Learning, 12, no. 4: 282-305. |
| Full Text & Related Files: |
STAR MTL_studentsflexibility.pdf (265.7Kb; PDF) 
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| Abstract: | The ability to flexibly solve problems is considered an important outcome for school mathematics and is the focus of this paper. The paper describes the impact of a three-week summer course for students who struggle with algebra. During the course, students regularly compared and contrasted worked examples of algebra problems in order to promote flexible use of solution strategies. Assessments were designed to capture both knowledge and use of multiple strategies. The students were interviewed in order to understand their rationales for choosing particular strategies, as well as their attitudes toward instruction that emphasized multiple strategies. Findings suggest that students gained both knowledge of and appreciation for multiple strategies, but they did not always use alternate strategies. Familiarity, understandability, efficiency, and form of the problem were all considerations for strategy choice. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed. |
| Published Version: | doi:10.1080/10986065.2010.482150 |
| Terms of Use: | This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Open Access Policy Articles, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#OAP |
| Citable link to this page: | http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:4889490 |
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