Inside Algebra's Unique Instructional Design

The Inside Algebra four-step lesson design is a powerful tool that weaves:

 		 Concept Development Activities that build conceptual understanding through concrete modeling experiences

 		 Practice Activities that support new learning through games and small-group activities

 		 Problem-Solving Activities that build problem-solving skills through relevant, real-world connections

 		 Progress-Monitoring Activities that help build computational fluency and monitor student understanding

A Simple and Effective Lesson Plan Sequence
1. Students are pre-tested to determine their needs on objectives.
The National Math Panel concluded, "Algebra teachers should not assume that all students understand even basic concepts."

The pre-tests in Inside Algebra pinpoint algebra concepts students don't understand.

Two distinct instructional plans provide explicit guidance in the selection of appropriate activities for differentiation based on student pre-test results.
2. Teachers select from a multitude of activities that support mastery of the objectives and match the needs of individual students.
Concept Development Activities
 
 		 Teachers select a concept development activity that meets the needs of students.
 
 		 Depending on their progress, students move to a practice activity or to another concept development activity.
Practice Activities
 
 		 Practice activities strengthen understanding and bring relevance to newly learned concepts.
 
 		 The motivating games, projects, problem-solving strategies, and worksheets for independent practice also present opportunities for personal success.
Progress-Monitoring Activities
 
 
 		 Progress-monitoring activities provide information to adjust instruction and determine differentiation through alternate activities as they build fluency with basic algebra skills
Problem-Solving Activities
 
 		 Students apply a variety of skills to solve problems related to a specific objective.
 
 		 These engaging exercises are effective in reinforcing students' problem-solving strategies and reflective thinking skills.
3. Students are post-tested to determine mastery, and data is recorded to help monitor student progress.
Post-Tests measure student growth in mastering that objective. They also identify concepts that may need reinforcement.
4. If mastery has not been achieved, students are given additional opportunities for further instruction.