CI 513 

Enhancing Algebraic Thinking: Generalizations about Operations

Course Description 

Examine generalizations at the heart of studying operations in the elementary grades. Express generalizations in common language and algebraically, develop representation-based arguments, study what it means to prove, and extend generalizations from whole numbers to integers. Student thinking is at the center of this course through examination of student work.

Driscoll (1999) defines algebraic thinking as having the capacity to portray quantitative conditions in a manner that allows the relationships among variables to become apparent. Throughout this course we will examine representation-based proof as a means for portraying such relationships.

Required Text

Schifter, D., Bastable, V., & Russell S. J. (2017). Reasoning algebraically about operations in the domain of whole numbers and integers: Numbers and operations part 3. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Course Schedule

Meeting Dates: Tuesdays, September 28 - December 7, 2021

Meeting Time: 4:30-7:30 pm

Course Location

TBD or Synchronous Online

Online and Print Resources

Common Core Standards Writing Team. (2022). Progressions for the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Institute for Mathematics and Education, University of Arizona. https://mathematicalmusings.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Progressions.pdf.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics. Author. http://standards.nctm.org

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2006). Curriculum focal points for prekindergarten through grade 8 mathematics. Author. http://standards.nctm.org

National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers (2010). Common core state standards for mathematics. Author. http://www.corestandards.org/Math

Understanding Language. (2013a). Key principles for ELL instruction.  http://ell.stanford.edu/

Understanding Language. (2013b). Guidelines for mathematics instructional materials development. http://ell.stanford.edu/