PUT AWAY YOUR TEXTBOOK! IT'S TIME TO
DO SOME MATH!
INSTRUCTORS: Mike Weidner, Nicolet
High School
GRADE LEVEL: 6-10
CREDIT: 1, 2 or 3
Get away from the traditional
lecture-practice homework-check
routine, and provide a change of
pace for your students (and for
you?). Seeing algebra concepts
in different situations allows for
deeper learning to occur and is more
engaging for students.
For more than a decade, the
presenter has been finding
appropriate ways to present algebra
concepts to the reluctant learners.
What has emerged is a rich
assortment of data collection
activities, graphing calculator
activities, application problems,
and mnemonic devices that help
students really understand algebra.
Many activities can be scaled to
help middle-level students build
algebra readiness and to allow for
algebra review and reinforcement for
students in advanced algebra class.
This course promises no "magic
bullets" that will bestow instant
algebra mastery to students, b u
rather a variety of strategies from
a variety of sources. The
graphing calculator can be used for
many pattern-recognition and
prediction activities and will be
taught with the novice user in mind.
(Graphing calculators will be
provided for use during the course.)
New approaches to routine Algebraic
activities such as factoring and
solving equations allow students to
build skills in these important
areas. The concepts of
Differentiated Instruction and
Understanding by Design also provide
fresh and helpful ways to look at
curriculum development. Issues
of equity will be addressed, as well
as creative ways of assessing
students and assigning grades.
Throughout the week, all of the
activities will be tied into
content. They are used to
raise questions, teach content and
reinforce learning. This
course will not be a series of
"activities for activities' sake",
but will provide participants with
interactive learning strategies for
engagement, retention and meaning.
Participants will grow in all ten of
the Wisconsin Standards for Teacher
Development and Licensing.
