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And the Rest is Just Algebra pp 19–39Cite as

Examining the Role of Prior Experience in the Learning of Algebra

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Abstract

Widespread emphasis on developing students’ algorithmic competency and symbol manipulation has resulted in students failing to think analytically and critically. If students are not encouraged to think flexibly about arithmetic and algebra in school, then this needs to be addressed by developmental courses and tasks designed to change the procedural orientation and superficial, fragmented knowledge of too many of our undergraduate students. Those who teach mathematics at the postsecondary level often dismiss the increasing number of students enrolled in precollege mathematics courses as “not my problem,” not realizing that “just algebra” is the downfall for many college students. Learning “just algebra” is a much more complex task than it appears. In this chapter, prior knowledge will be shown to have become problematic for many students, and we provide evidence of the need to improve the effectiveness of our own teaching and that of our future teachers in ways that help students develop deeper understanding of mathematics and promote mathematical thinking.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Portions of the collected data have been previously reported (McGowen, 1998; McGowen & Tall, 2013), but the accumulated data of 516 students have not been reported previously.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematical Sciences, William Rainey Harper College, Palatine, IL, 60067, USA

    Mercedes McGowen

  2. 601 Pleasant PL, Streamwood, IL, 60107, USA

    Mercedes McGowen

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  1. Mercedes McGowen
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Correspondence to Mercedes McGowen .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA

    Sepideh Stewart

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McGowen, M. (2017). Examining the Role of Prior Experience in the Learning of Algebra. In: Stewart, S. (eds) And the Rest is Just Algebra. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45053-7_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45053-7_2

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