In this article, the authors describe an algebra 2 class activity, called the Exponent Maze, that had students practice many mathematics problems, display their creativity, and work together collaboratively by creating their own mazes. The authors discuss how they introduced the activity, what the students created, and how creating mazes can be…

Research has shown there are algebra concepts elementary teachers can introduce that help prepare elementary students for the eventual transition to algebra (e.g., the relational interpretation of the equal sign). "Early algebra" refers to the use of informal approaches to introduce such concepts to elementary students. "Strip…

Knowledge assessments in undergraduate mathematics education commonly evaluate response correctness to determine learner proficiency. However, simultaneous evaluation of learner metacognition more accurately assesses the multiple dimensions of knowledge and has been shown to increase assessment validity and reliability. Research into…

This brief presents Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) as a transformative exploratory tool for critical and curious educators. YPAR has been defined as a collaborative method of youth, with the support of caring adults, participating in research to explore social issues that impact them, with the end goal of taking action to improve the…

The purpose of this resource is to help math teachers unpack, understand, and implement the current math content and practice standards. It describes the progressions of learning within each course and provides content supports that include broad ideas about effective instruction as well as practical instructional strategies. Math teachers,…

Vectors have important applications both within and outside mathematics, but the concept of vectors is often taught to students in a less-than-engaging way, leading to students feeling inadequate and frustrated. This article describes the use of a mathematical microworld, "Driving with Vectors," to explore vectors using equitable…

Many students who enroll in a first course in linear algebra major in STEM disciplines other than mathematics. Teachers who serve such students may find it difficult to provide authentic problems from these broader areas that ignite students' interest in linear algebra. In this paper, we highlight an interdisciplinary learning activity that…

This timely book provides support for secondary mathematics teachers learning how to enact high-quality, equitable math instruction with dynamic, mathematics-specific technologies. Using practical advice from their own work as well as from interviews with 23 exceptional technology-using math teachers, the authors develop a vision of teaching with…

This article introduces basic strategies for teachers initiating translanguaging pedagogy for emergent bilingual students in mathematics classrooms to support linguistic identities, create inclusive environments, and enhance learning. The authors collaborated with Algebra 1 teachers who exclusively taught emergent bilingual students, implementing…

While students were constructing the concept of rates of change, linear relationships, and nonlinear relationships in a first-year algebra class, the wanted to build a task that allowed them to increase their understanding of covariation, that is, how two variables change in relation to each other. Research has shown that students who have built…

An essential understanding of the uses and practices of algebra remain out of reach for many students. In this book, award-winning researcher Dr. Nicole Fonger addresses the issue of how to support all learners to experience algebra as meaningful. In a highly visual approach, the book details four research-based lenses with examples from 9th-grade…

The ability to solve mathematical problems has been an interesting research topic for several decades. Intuition is considered a part of higher-level thinking that can help improve mathematical problem-solving abilities. Although many studies have been conducted on mathematical problem-solving, research on intuition as a bridge in mathematical…

Few high school students associate mathematics with playfulness. In this paper, we offer a series of lessons focused on the underlying algebraic structures of the Rubik's Cube. The Rubik's Cube offers students an interesting space to enjoy the playful side of mathematics, while appreciating mathematics otherwise lost in routine experiences.

This article explains how explorations into the quadratic formula can offer students opportunities to learn about the structure of algebraic expressions. In this article, the author leverages the graphical interpretation of the quadratic formula and describes an activity in which students derive the quadratic formula by quantifying the symmetry of…

Problem solving has been the focus of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice. Helping students acquire critical-thinking and problem-solving skills has become the primary goal of mathematics education across all grade levels. However, research has found that many students struggle with word problems because of poor text…