alternative approaches to traditional topics in algebra
Students who otherwise seem unreachable through traditional
approaches to algebra require some alternative teaching
methods. So do teachers who seek to add elements of freshness
and innovation to their classrooms or who simply appreciate
variety. This article, as its title indicates, offers some unconventional
techniques for teaching a few conventional algebra topics.
We immediately acknowledge two impediments. First, no matter
how we change the mathematical landscape, there is no “royal road” to
algebra; students will still have to do some form of mathematical thinking.
In other words, what makes an alternative process more efficient
or easier to understand for some students often introduces mathematical
considerations not present in the traditional approach. Second,
tradition itself—and perhaps mathematical tradition more so—is hard
to break. Even some of the most courageous and forward-thinking