Learning goal: Help teachers understand student thinking about algebra Intended audience: Inservice/preservice Pre-algebra and Algebra

a I teachers Connections to CCSS-M: Articulated with standards Materials needed: Website http://algebraicthinking.org/ Resources used: Over 700 research articles on algebraic thinking and problem solving

Description of Professional Learning Task

The purpose of the Algebraic Thinking Project is to synthesize research on students thinking that will empower teachers to open the algebra gateway with their students. The Center for Algebraic Thinking includes an online encyclopedia of algebraic thinking, a catalog of formative assessment problems, a matrix of technological tools, and a collaborative network for teachers of algebra.

Launch
We begin with a series of problems on a specific algebraic topic. The teachers are expected to both solve the problems and then think about how their students will approach and attempt to solve the problems.

Orchestrating Teachers' Work on the Task

This is dependent on the topic, but after solving a series of problems, teachers view video clips of students solving the same problems. They then discuss what they have seen, think about the students with whom they work, and develop learning experiences that facilitate algebraic understanding.

Conclusion/Debriefing
We assess the understanding of the teacher participants by solving additional related problems. This is followed by sharing suggestions for teaching and other resources.

Evidence of Teacher Learning

Teachers solve problems related to standards and provide evidence of both content knowledge and mathematical habits of mind. Teachers develop learning experiences that engage their students in developing deep understanding of algebraic concepts.

Other Pertinent Information

Website: Contains Encyclopedia of Algebraic Thinking Catalog of formative assessments Matrix of technological tools algebraicthinking.org

Linda Samek George Fox University Lsamek@georgefox.edu Steve Rhine Willamette University Algebraic Thinking Project srhine@willamette.edu