Professional development

Teaching algebra

Mathematics teachers can use the ideas in this collection when planning to integrate key processes and problem solving into the teaching of algebra. By adopting an integrated approach, teachers enable pupils to experience mathematics as a coherent, worthwhile and engaging subject. This collection is part of the area of pedagogy in secondary mathematics, which also includes collections on number, geometry and statistics.

• Secondary mathematics algebra study units

  These ten professional development study units can be used to reinforce, confirm and extend knowledge of teaching algebra in the curriculum for Key Stages 3 and 4.

  • Planning your study time

  • What you will need

  • Teaching principles

  • Why algebra?

  • Unit 1: Using a grid method to multiply expressions

  • Unit 2: Transforming expressions and equations

  • Unit 3: Constructing expressions and equations

  • Unit 4: Rearranging equations and formulae

  • Unit 5: Collecting like terms

  • Unit 6: Applying skills in the context of 'Pyramid' puzzles

  • Unit 7: Using algebraic reasoning

  • Unit 8: Generalising from patterns and sequences

  • Unit 9: Linking sequences, functions, and graphs

  • Unit 10: Classroom approaches to algebra