Algebraic Thinking: An Opportunity For Growth

Algebra is a common weak spot for test takers. From high school subject area testing and GED prep to ACT and Praxis Core planning, many students struggle to grasp concepts. Fortunately, algebraic thinking is introduced as early as kindergarten in settings where Common Core Math Standards guides learning. Other popular curricula that emphasize algebraic thinking early on include Saxon Math and K5 Learning.

Whether enrolled in school, participating in a home school program, exploring the unschooling spectrum, or preparing for post-secondary testing, there are many study tools available. As with many difficult tasks - like me learning to cook - seeking independent practice opportunity positions learners for success. When educators and family members prompt students to complete homework and provide supplemental learning activities, such as games, worksheets, and books, we model success strategies.

First thoughts may sound something like this.... I hate math; I'm not good in math; Algebra is my worst subject; I just don't get it. These are normal and (it pains me to say) acceptable. Though I love math, algebraic reasoning has not been taught to some in a way that triggers excitement. Nonetheless, learners need to see you trying. They need to see you reading and practicing and failing and overcoming.

Tap into free resources. Even many of the fee-based tools offer free trials. I'm talking about truly, no-credit-card-needed free trials. One of my favorite websites for math worksheets is Math-Aids. I often use Math-Aids dynamic Algebra worksheets to help learners during tutoring as well as reinforce learning at home. I often find that educators are using Math-Aids worksheets for these same reasons.

Popular algebraic concepts covered by the Math-Aids worksheet generator include:

• Domain and Range
• Inequalities
• Quadratic Functions
• Systems of Equations

Worksheets guided this student-centered experience.

As I shared in last month's post on place value and operations in base ten, hands-on learning is the best learning. Whenever possible, playing games and using colorful manipulatives is ideal. Having tangible tools used to model math concepts and practice problems hooks learners in a way that immediately influences their mental state. Learning algebra becomes less gruesome when we add context and meaning to standards. Performance inevitably improves.

An awesome tool from Assessment Services Inc. helped one high schooler transition his focus from resisting Algebra and misbehaving to having fun during tutoring sessions. Algebra Tiles for Your Classroom should be in every learning environment designed to meet the needs of math learners - not just in classrooms. Algebra Tiles comes with a booklet that introduces learners to integers and represents variables and equations using unforgettable visuals that are fun to compose and decompose. It is a tool for learners of all ages. This 9th grader began to have fun thinking, learning, talking about math. He learned to enjoy the  journey and embrace failures through play, a not-so-novel concept that we forget to include in math lessons. 

Jackson Education Support (JE) offers fun and engaging learning experiences to learners of a ages. Specialty subjects include literacy, math, and science. Each experience is personalized to meet individual and organizational need. Read feedback and learn more by visiting je411.com.

The Top 3 Reasons I Teach

The reasons I teach are numerous. I could write at length on this topic, because the skill set required to effectively support learners is a lifetime work in progress. We adopt student characteristics to promote independence. Then, evaluate and re-evaluate the effectiveness of instructional strategies toward this end.

Supporting clients is a mutually beneficial endeavor. Implementing lessons that meet a variety of learning needs requires educators to abandon comfort zones; through growth we learn to effectively support this in others.

Personal and professional growth are mere strokes of serendipity. My top three reasons to teach involve helping learners leverage challenges, effecting generational change, and supporting creative freedom.

Leverage learning challenges
Whether education professionals, government officials, or parents, someone is expected to accept blame when students fail to meet learning objectives. When test scores are low, are teachers to blame? When homework is missing or incomplete, are parents to blame? When environments are unsafe, are administrators to blame? When students lack resources, is government to blame? We all bear some responsibility in each of these instances. Collective effort prepares students for success.

I teach because learners are not to blame. The learning process is influenced by environment. We assimilate behaviors and beliefs - good or bad, right or wrong - from peers and role models. Students often have little control of this process. Even adults have limited physical control. Many lack knowledge of pedagogy and androgogy, which help us understand education and learning (there is a difference). Through educational support services, clients gain deeper insight into effective learning strategies and master ways to leverage challenges.

Level the playing field
Adult education impacts youth education. Young people are often limited in the types of learning opportunities to which they're exposed. Proliteracy reports, "Children of parents with low literacy skills have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading levels themselves." We know that literacy skill impacts math and science performance as well. As a consequence, children of illiterate and moderately literate adults are at risk of experiencing greater academic challenges. With each generation, legislation and societal advancements require the bar be raised in education. Ill-prepared, students are expected to meet more challenging learning standards at younger ages.

I teach because obtaining an education levels the playing field across socio-economic sectors. Systemic inequities experienced by those having low socio-economic status result in low grades and behavior issues. Students repeat grades levels as a result; some lose hope and drop out of school altogether. This downward spiral continues generation after generation. Helping learners leverage strengths to resist low expectations permanently transforms families.

Liberate minds
Practically from birth, children are trained to abandon their instincts. We know that the best experiences happen outside the box; yet, children are expected to hoe a designated row (and do nothing else). If they talk, they're punished. If they laugh too loud, they're ridiculed. If they question the status quo, they're marginalized.

I teach because confident students feel liberated to follow their passions. Supporting this process of self-discovery is our best chance for improving life as we know it. An insightful article in Harvard Business Review makes this point simply. Teresa Amabile acknowledges creativity is viewed as "unmanageable" and shunned by short-sighted leaders (and parents). Her notion of "managing for creativity" brilliantly communicates my approach to teaching. The objective is that learners feel encouraged in this way.

Essentially, teaching to the whole child is ideal. I want students to be college- and career-ready. The most successful individuals and organizations embrace creativity, so I aim to liberate minds. I want students to feel empowered to change their circumstances regardless of perceived limitations. Many need to view the playing field as level to pursue success (a conviction that's different for each person); they must feel their efforts are valued and valuable. Sustaining the wherewithal to overcome obstacles is made easier when students learn to leverage challenges independently.

Learn more about my education firm, Jackson Education Support, and schedule a consult to improve academic performance and increase confidence. Specialty areas include literacy, math, and science. Currently, popular services are private tutoring and writing assistance. Jackson Education Support options help learners of all ages move into more challenging environments.

Parents, are you on the Fence About Tutoring?

Are you  considering tutoring for your child?  Did your child struggle to end last year on a high note?  Has the classroom teacher expressed concern about academic performance? Well, you're not alone...

Jillian Smart, M. Ed., launched Jackson Education Support.

I launched Jackson Education Support (JE) to support the educational goals of learners in literacy, math, and science subjects. If you haven't heard, JE is a Mississippi-based education firm that offers personalized in-person and online services which allows parents like you to enjoy family time.

While classroom teachers are often expected to provide children with individualized attention during class, the likelihood of this happening decreases as class size increases - not to mention the growing number of assessments that take precedence during lesson planning.  

Jackson Education Support support learners by providing homework help and study skills support.  Each service is personalized to meet individual need. Clients schedule in-person and virtual tutoring sessions to address gaps in achievement that hinder progress in literacy, math, and science classes.

Tutoring is the new normal, reports scholastic.com.  "When specific, basic skills are not developing as you would expect, or when a child has a diagnosed learning disability, having a tutor can help her build those special skills or compensate for the ones she lacks," says learning specialist Susan J. Schwartz, M.A. Ed., clinical coordinator at the Institute for Learning and Academic Achievement at the New York University Child Study Center. Parents of early elementary students are feeling the pressure to ensure that children meet and exceed rising educational  standards.

If you think your child struggles in school, I encourage you not to wait for the problem to resolve itself. I say this, because many parents regret hiring a professional at the end of the school year. Children who receive support early on become more independent over time, so working with an educator outside of school times may not have to be a long-term arrangement for your child.

But, adding an experienced educator to your team is the best way to start the new school year. Let's discuss your child's academic needs in greater detail.  Schedule a free consultation today!

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