How Can I Make Algebra More Relevant for My 9th Grade Remedial Algebra Students?
Term
Fall 12-10-2014
Capstone
Thesis
Degree Name
MAEd
Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair
Laura Halldin
Secondary Advisor/Reader One
Jennifer Pothast
Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two
Mike Pahl
Abstract
The research question addressed in this capstone is, “How can I make algebra more relevant for my 9th grade remedial algebra students?” The key influence for this research was students who frequently ask when they will use algebra in their lives outside of school. During the research process, the author interviewed a computer scientist, an engineer, a businessperson, two secondary algebra teachers, and a community college math instructor. Among other topics, participants were asked about which algebraic concepts are most important and ideas for lessons incorporating algebra into real-world settings. A wide range of applications were mentioned, but most participants struggled to generate lesson ideas surrounding those applications. The author took one lesson idea mentioned and developed a lesson plan relating direct and inverse variation to planning a road trip. The author concludes that algebra’s importance lies more in the problemsolving skills it promotes than its individual applications.
Keywords
At-risk Students, Curriculum, Mathematics, Motivation
Recommended Citation
Carlson, Dave Buck, "How Can I Make Algebra More Relevant for My 9th Grade Remedial Algebra Students?" (2014). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 65.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/65