Course Description

Algebra and the introduction of variables can be a challenging concept for many students. Using concrete materials can help students to get a ‘feel’ for what we are doing when we ask them to - collect like terms; manipulate an algebraic expression and to solve equations.

Concrete materials (or manipulatives) can be found in classrooms in the lower primary years but often disappear as students get older, giving students the impression that they are ‘babyish’ and that it is more ‘grown-up’ to manage without them. Algebra Tiles are a simple manipulative that can help develop students’ understanding and confidence with algebra, at many different levels.

In this course we will work through a sequence of lessons from adding and subtracting integers to completing the square. There will be short video demonstrations and explanations throughout.

Audience

This course is for all teachers of Mathematics with a particular emphasis on those teaching Years 5–10.

Teaching Standards

3.3.2 Proficient Level - Plan for and Implement Effective Teaching and Learning - Use teaching strategies: Select and use relevant teaching strategies to develop knowledge, skills, problem-solving, and critical and creative thinking