Teaching algebraic concepts to struggling students through mnemonics and vocabulary

Jeffery Case Study

Background for Jeffery

Jeffery has problem understanding algebraic concepts such as polynomials and factoring. Jeffery doesn't require any special aids and his learning capabilities are normal for his age.

Ability to solve polynomials and factorization with the help of Mnemonic device such as FOIL

develop the ability to understand order in which polynomials are solved

Become familiar with complex algebraic terms with the help of vocabulary teaching.

Conclusion

First Jeffery needs to understand that any two sets in parenthesis without any sign in the middle means multiplication. Once he understands that he needs to understand the order in which each term is multiplied. For this he can use the FOIL method. FOIL means FIRST OUTSIDE INSIDE LAST. This order can help erase the confusion that arises with understanding of order in which equations are to be solved. This technique falls in the category of Mnemonics which was one of the strategies recommended for Jeffery's case. Mnemonics are any sentences or pictures that help students make connections and understand concepts.

Students often are befuddled with the use of complex terms in mathematics and hence it's recommended that they become familiar with some commonly used terms before they are used in the context of mathematics or algebra. For example students can be told what a variable is without actually referring to any mathematical equation. Variable is simply any letter in which a value can be stored. 4x for example would be the number 4 with a variable x that also contains a value though hidden from us.

Students should be explained what a variable in their everyday life context so they become more comfortable with the use of such terms in mathematics. For example x is the most common variable used. When we talk about other things in our general lives, we do use variable like saying "She has that X factor," or "In his case, it was the X factor that worked." Now X is something but the value is hidden. In mathematics, it is up to us to discover the value of that X variable.