Have you noticed any characteristics of students who seem to understand algebra faster? What about slower?
Students who understand algebra faster are the students who have a full mastery of rational numbers. These students can concentrate on learning the algebra instead of learning or relearning the concepts along with the algebra.
Also, students who can reason abstractly.
Conversely the slower students have trouble reasoning abstractly and don’t have a mastery of rational numbers.
Another major difference between the students is a self-confidence in their ability. Students who have the attitude that they can learn the material, can and do.
What concepts are covered under a “full mastery of rational numbers”?
I would say Fractions, decimals and percents along with adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing positive and negative rational numbers.
- William Gripentrog, South Dakota
