finalprojectrubric

Presentation of Algebra from Different Perspectives

MED DOCTORAL STUDENTS
Each person will read and synthesize 4-5 research articles (minimum) related to one of the following perspectives on teaching algebra. These perspectives are not necessarily disjoint:
1) Algebra as generalized arithmetic and abstraction from computation
2) Algebra as the study of functions, relations, and co-variation
3) Algebra as the study of structure and processes
4) Algebra as problem solving
5) Algebra as a means to model reality
You will prepare a 7-8 page synthesis of the research literature and a 25 minute presentation to the class in which you share the main points of the perspective you investigated and provide an example of a task that would be typical for that perspective and approach to algebra.

Section	Points
I. Introduction Provide a brief overview of the perspective on school algebra that you are addressing (perhaps give a working definition or statement that characterizes this perspective). Why is this perspective important to consider for fostering algebraic thinking as proposed by Driscoll (1999)? (1-2 pages)	10
II. Review of Research and Theoretical Papers Provide a synthesis of the 4-5 (minimum) articles you read about algebra from a particular perspective. What are the major points discussed in the literature? Organize this section in a meaningful way that connects the research articles together and shows evidence of a synthesis on your part and a deeper understanding of the issue you are invesitigating. (Do not merely write 4 separate sections where you summarize the material in each of the articles in a disjoint way.) You may have 2 or more subheadings in this section that organize the paper into meaningful categories. If needed, use tables or figures in this section to report findings or display meaningful diagrams. (5-6 pages)	60
III. Connections to Teaching & Example Task Based on the research that you read and reported, what do you believe are the implications for teaching algebra from the perspective which you investigated? Provide an example of a task that would be typical of one given if you were teaching algebra from the particular perspective. Describe WHY the task is an example of viewing algebra from the particluar perspective. (1-2 pages)	20
References Cite all references used in body of paper in proper APA format. Points in this section will also apply to the use of proper citations and grammar within the body of the paper.	10

Class Presentation of Research Results

**You need to prepare overheads or use PowerPoint, and provide handouts for the class

Section Points

Overview of Importance (3-5 minutes)
Describe your perspective and why it is important. 10

Report on Literature Review (12-15 minutes)
Highlight main points of viewing algebra from this perspective 60

Implications for Teaching (5-8 minutes)
Highlight important implications for the classroom and briefly discuss a typical task. 20

Is material presented in a professional way in overhead/PowerPoint and on handouts?
Overheads or PowerPoint Slides should be easy to read (large text) and any graphics used should be clearly relevant to the material.
Handouts should include your reference list from your paper.
10

Section	Points
Overview of Importance (3-5 minutes) Describe your perspective and why it is important.	10
Report on Literature Review (12-15 minutes) Highlight main points of viewing algebra from this perspective	60
Implications for Teaching (5-8 minutes) Highlight important implications for the classroom and briefly discuss a typical task.	20
Is material presented in a professional way in overhead/PowerPoint and on handouts? Overheads or PowerPoint Slides should be easy to read (large text) and any graphics used should be clearly relevant to the material. Handouts should include your reference list from your paper.	10