Making Sense of Algebraic Thinking (MSAT) connects the generalization of the four basic operations to various expressions. The implementation continues to focus on productive discussions and Intentional Talk (Kazemi and Hintz, 2014).
Big Ideas:
- Instruction in computation can be enriched and deepened by a focus on generalizing about the four basic operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. (Connecting Arithmetic to Algebra)
- Mathematics is a way of thinking that involves studying patterns, making conjectures, and looking for underlying structure and regularity, identifying and describing relationships, and developing mathematical arguments to show when and why these relationships hold. (Connecting Arithmetic to Algebra)
- Mathematically proficient students look closely to discern a pattern or structure. (Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice - CCSMP)
- Mathematically proficient students notice if calculations are repeated, and look both for general methods and for shortcuts. (CCSMP)
- Targeted discussions are purposely chosen to address particular instructional needs that align with learning goals. (Intentional Talk)
Course Goals
Participants will:
- develop their own understanding of the major ideas of K-6 algebraic thinking and examine how children develop those ideas including generalizing about the four basic operations, studying patterns, and making conjectures;
- design and implement targeted discussions in response to instructional needs to support and meet learning goals;
- explore children’s thinking to reveal the issues children must work through to develop an understanding of algebraic thinking concepts;
- notice, articulate, and prove generalizations about the behavior of operations throughout the math activities in the course; and
- learn to notice opportunities to bring students’ attention to generalizations about operations in their classrooms