Algebra: The Key to Student Success, Or Just Another Hurdle?
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Abstract
The strong emphasis on algebra has led to nationwide school reforms, and it is an
integral part of major high school curricula changes that have taken place in recent years. In
this article we try to determine if there is a basis for the underlying belief that algebra equips
students with the skills necessary to succeed in college. Based on the existing literature, it
follows that college algebra may be an indicator of student success in college, but there is no
evidence that this subject contributes to that success. There is no evidence of the context or
structure of algebra aiding students in developing or even improving any of their cognitive
skills, but only their content knowledge. While it is not impossible that this could be the case in
a particular situation if the mathematics curricula were constructed with this in mind, no such
studies were found in the literature.
Description
Keywords
algebra, educational policy, curriculum
Citation
Ohio Journal of School Mathematics, no. 67 (2013), 48-56.