The school where I work uses a program called Hands-On Equations to help students understand algebra concepts. This is my second year of helping students with this program, and I see some very real benefits. It was developed by Dr. Henry Borenson, and more information about the program can be found at www.borenson.com/.
Students use manipulatives to solve algebra equations. They begin with simple ones and progress to more complicated problems. They use a picture of a balanced scale and learn the rules for keeping it balanced; these are the same rules that are used for solving equations. This system enables students younger than those usually in algebra classes to begin to solve equations. And there are smart board programs available to go with the program. In my grade book, Hands-On Equations gets a an A!
7 comments:
Marsha, I am glad you like the program and the students are doing so well. Let us know if you need the verbal problems book. If you have time before the end of the year, I can meet with your students online and respond to their questions...or give them an equation or two to solve. Best wishes.
It looks like an effective teaching tool.
Dr. Borenson--Thanks for your response! I'm not familliar with the verbal problems book. Is that something new?
Ken--yes, I find this program to be effective. The kids find it to be fun and almost feel that they are playing while they are learning. It makes the algebra concepts able to be visualized. It is a great end-of-year activity, though better if done from time to time throughout the year. I suppose younger grade teachers might incorporate some of it into learning centers.The challenge for larger districts is to get more than one grade using this system--doing a bit each year and building on prior knowledge. We are working toward that.
Marsha
I happened on your blog tonight by pushing the "next blog" button at the top of my own blog. Thank you for all the great informaiton and sites you have referenced here! Finding your web page is like finding a gold mine!! I teach 7th and 8th grade math and pre-Al and am ALWAYS looking for new and creative ideas! Thank you so much!!
Happy day. :)
Sabbie - please join us on Thursday, August 12, 2010 from 1:15 - 2:00 PM (Eastern Time) for a FREE Hands-On Equations Introductory Webinar. This 45-minute webinar will provide a brief overview of how our program works, as well as, an introduction to some of our materials.
http://0812hoe.eventbrite.com/
Please follow the above link for more information and to register for this webinar.
Thanks for your kind words, Sabbie! And thanks for the info, Michele.
Marsha
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing thiks Math website.
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