Many students struggle with algebra. Many students need to retake Algebra 1 multiple times just to pass. Even if they pass, many students are unable to think algebraically, lack mathematical strategies, and lack confidence as mathematicians.
Developed by Education Development Center (EDC), Transition to Algebra is a classroom resource that approaches algebra instruction differently. Instead of reteaching the same algebra curriculum in the same way to struggling students, Transition to Algebra uses logic puzzles, problems, and explorations to help teachers uniquely build students' mathematical ways of thinking. It invites students to experience the coherence and meaning of mathematics-perhaps for the first time.
Transition to Algebra (TTA) is an initiative of the Learning and Teaching Division at the Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC). Supported by the National Science Foundation, TTA seeks to quickly give students the mathematical knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in a standard first-year algebra class and to show them that they can explore mathematics and actually enjoy it. For a closer look at the research that informed TTA, check out the resources listed below.
Making Sense of Algebra
In Making Sense of Algebra, the Transition to Algebra author team debunks the common misconception that algebra is simply a collection of rules to know and follow by delving into how we think about mathematics. This "habits of mind" approach is concerned not just with the results of mathematical thinking, but with how mathematically proficient students do that thinking.
Develop a rich understanding of math while you study algebra in a relaxed and supportive environment. This course emphasizes practical math applications of your new algebra skills to help you learn math reasoning in a real-world context and discover solutions to almost any math problem.
This online math course integrates mathematics, specifically algebra with many other areas of study, including history, biology, and geography. You will develop a rich understanding of math while you study algebra right here in a relaxed and supportive learning environment. Its emphasis on practical math applications of your new-found algebraic skills will help you learn math reasoning in a real-world context. As a result, you will acquire a wide variety of basic math skills that will help you find solutions to almost any math problem.
This concise and straightforward course will help you understand some of the most important mathematical concepts of algebra: order of operations, units of measurement, scientific notation, algebraic equations, rational numbers, and fundamental concepts of accounting like calculating simple interest.
Barbara Rolston holds a master's degree. Since 1975, she has been taught GED preparatory classes in a variety of settings, including adult schools, community colleges, and large corporations. She also was responsible for administering the GED exam in a correctional facility for two years. Math experience includes tutoring community college students on a wide range of math topics and serving as a math consultant for a nationwide adult student assessment system.
As our society becomes more technological, it is increasingly affected by mathematics. Quite sophisticated mathematics is now central to the natural sciences, to ecological issues, to economics, and to our commercial and technical life. A student who takes such general-level courses as MATH 5a, 8a, 10a, 10b, 15a, or 20a will better be prepared to engage with the modern world. To major in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, one needs to take more advanced courses. Starting from the academic year 2019-2020, the Department of Mathematics offers three degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. This is a testament to the fact that mathematics is, at the same time, both a subject of the greatest inherent depth and beauty with a history extending from antiquity, and also a powerful tool for understanding our world.
Applications of mathematics to physics, biology, chemistry, economics and social sciences have proved particularly fruitful, and have led to the development of new mathematical tools and methods. The Applied Mathematics major will introduce students to the essential tools used in such applications. It will prepare students for professional careers in public institutions, research centers or private companies using quantitative methods (such as modeling, data analysis or optimization) to understand and solve complex real-world problems.
The graduate program in mathematics offers the Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The Master of Arts and Master of Science programs give students a rigorous foundation in graduate-level mathematics. The doctoral program, in addition to coursework, includes seminar participation, teaching and research experience, and is designed to lead to a broad understanding of the subject.
Entering students may be admitted to either the Master of Arts, Master of Science, or the doctoral program. The courses offered by the department, participation in seminars, and exposure to a cutting-edge research environment provide the students with a broad foundation for work in modern pure and applied mathematics and prepare them for careers as mathematicians in academia, industry, or government.
Students may study mathematics for several reasons: for its own intrinsic interest, for its applications to other fields such as economics, computer science, and physical and life sciences, and for the analytical skills that it provides for such fields of study as law, medicine, and business. The Mathematics Department at Brandeis serves a diverse audience, consisting of students with all of these reasons.
Non-majors who take mathematics courses include pre-medical students, education minors, many science and economics majors, and mathematics minors. Although their mathematical goals may vary depending on their interests, the following are among the most important:
Mathematics majors will know the basic ideas of some, but not necessarily all, of the following areas: differential equations, probability and statistics, number theory, combinatorics, real and complex analysis, topology, and differential geometry.
Mathematics majors will be able to read and write mathematical proofs, abstract general principles from examples, and distinguish correct from fallacious arguments. Majors will learn to apply general principles to specific cases, solve non-routine mathematical problems, and to apply mathematics to the real world.
The postbac program in Mathematics is a non-degree program aimed at students wishing to complete and expand their knowledge of mathematics at the undergraduate level and get prepared for more advanced knowledge.
Students completing the Postbac Program in Mathematics acquire a solid foundation in mathematics well beyond the calculus level. They acquire a working knowledge of standard techniques and results in mathematics which are key in a wide range of applications.
Students graduating with a Master's in Mathematics at Brandeis possess a broad and rigorous foundation in modern mathematics. Students in the Master of Science degree go beyond foundational courses through topics classes and research seminars. Students graduating with a Master of Science who receive approval for a thesis are able to craft an original thesis paper and present it.
Students graduating with a Master's in Mathematics are ideally prepared to apply for a PhD program in pure or applied mathematics, physics, and other sciences. They also have competencies in mathematics that are in high demand in many industries, or for certain jobs in the government.
Students graduating with a PhD have been trained to be effective teachers and cutting-edge researchers. They may work in academia, either in a research-oriented institution or in a teaching-oriented one, in many industries, or in the government.
In addition to the requirements for all degrees, a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics requires four additional semester courses, either MATH courses numbered 27 or higher (excluding Math 92a) or cross-listed courses in Mathematics.
In addition to the requirements for all degrees, a degree of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics requires seven additional semester courses, either MATH courses numbered 27 or higher or cross-listed courses in Mathematics.
In addition to the requirements for all degrees, a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with Honors with requires six additional semester courses, either MATH courses numbered 27 or higher or cross-listed courses in Mathematics, and courses must meet the additional honors standards.
In addition to the requirements for all degrees, a degree of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with honors requires seven additional semester courses, either MATH courses numbered 27 or higher or cross-listed courses in Mathematics, which meets the honors standards. In addition to the seven courses, one of the following must be completed:
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