TRANSLATING ALGEBRAIC PHRASES INTO EXPRESSIONS

To start class students were given one of these note cards. Students were asked:

• What problem have you been given?
• How do you know you need to add/subtract/multiply/divide?
• Does what you think make sense?

They were then instructed to find another student in the classroom that had the same note card. I asked that they share their expression with each other. I then asked:

• Did you have the expression?
• What about the phrase made you think add/subtract/multiply/divide?
• Are there certain words in the phrase that made you do specific things?

Students were then directed to find someone with a different card. I considered them the expert of their expression. They then taught their friend, answered questions, and offered assistance if needed.