Making Sense of Algebra: Developing Students' Mathematical Habits of Mind - Brossura

"This book has much to offer teachers of middle and high school algebra who wish to implement the Common Core Standards for all of their students." -Hyman Bass, Samuel Eilenberg Distinguished University Professor of Mathematics & Mathematics Education, University of Michigan "One of the joys of Making Sense of Algebra is how clearly and practically the 'how' question is answered." -Steven Leinwand, American Institutes for Research, author of Accessible Mathematics "Paul Goldenberg and his colleagues have done a fantastic job of connecting mathematical ideas to teaching those ideas." -David Wees, New Visions for Public Schools, New York City "Rare is the resource that offers first-person accounts of teacher experience and insight, accompanied by broad and deep knowledge of the research literature. This book fits the bill, and does so with clarity, warmth, and humor." -Mark Driscoll, Education Development Center, author of Fostering Algebraic Thinking Every teacher wants to help students make sense of mathematics; but what if you could guide your students to expect mathematics to make sense? What if you could help them develop a deep understanding of the reasons behind its facts and methods? In Making Sense of Algebra, the common misconception that algebra is simply a collection of rules to know and follow is debunked by delving into how we think about mathematics. This "habits of mind" approach is concerned not just with the results of mathematical thinking, but with how mathematically proficient students do that thinking. Making Sense of Algebra addresses developing this type of thinking in your students through: using well-chosen puzzles and investigations to promote perseverance and a willingness to explore seeking structure and looking for patterns that mathematicians anticipate finding-and using this to draw conclusions cultivating an approach to authentic problems that are rarely as tidy as what is found in textbooks allowing students to generate, validate, and