The Problem
In many middle school classrooms, the instruction of linear relationships is often procedural, focusing on memorizing formulas like y = mx + b. This leads to a fragmented understanding of functions and limits student success in high school algebra.
When students do not understand the underlying concepts of rate of change and initial value, they struggle to apply these ideas to new contexts or more complex mathematical models.
Institute Focus
This institute centers on developing a deep conceptual understanding of linear relationships. Participants explore the vertical alignment of linear functions from 6th through 8th grade, focusing on multiple representations—graphs, tables, equations, and verbal descriptions.
What Participants Experience
- Moving beyond procedural instruction toward conceptual understanding.
- Analyzing the vertical alignment of linear relationships from 6th - 8th grade.
- Developing high-leverage learning tasks that require students to reason and communicate.
- Using multiple representations—graphs, tables, equations, and verbal descriptions—to solve complex problems.
Impact
When educators move beyond procedural instruction toward conceptual understanding, students develop stronger problem-solving skills and a more durable foundation for high school algebra.