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How do you identify learning difficulties in algebra?

Learning algebra is somewhat complex, especially in eighth or ninth grade. One first difficulty that students might have is not being ready to start learning algebra. This is why it is very important that students know how to add and subtract fractions and know how to multiply fractions. Also, students need to know how to divide and simplify fractions as well as knowing how to add decimals, subtract decimals, multiply decimals, and divide decimals. And they need to learn how to round to a certain place value in order to begin their journey in algebra.

The results of a study that involved 65 participants from different junior high schools show that students’ difficulties in learning algebra are:

1. Understanding the problem
2. Understanding the meaning of variables
3. Operate algebra forms
4. Solving word problems related to algebra
5. Make algebra problems

How do you motivate students to love algebra?

Algebra is not an easy subject and students might feel unmotivated due to how challenging the topics can be. One way to keep students motivated is to shift their perspective on algebra and how they relate to it. One way of doing so is letting the students realize that by learning algebra they are learning something very valuable for the future, which is being able to manage solving equations, solving inequalities, functions, graphing and writing equations, systems of equations, and probability and statistics.

But if you take a step further back, students may realize that by learning algebra and managing the class they are learning time management, critical thinking, communication, setting goals, collaboration, study skills, creativity, reading strategies, mindset, and problem-solving. Students may also find it interesting that algebra is used in several real-life situations such as doubling or halving a recipe when cooking, spatial intelligence and shapes, for example playing with Legos and making them fit with each other, whether we want it or not we are using algebra and abstractions. The best way to keep students motivated is to make them relate to algebra in any way possible, whether it is skills learned for the future and in general its purpose in life or the way they are already using it and they will continue to use it in normal, daily life situations.

What is the most effective way to learn algebra?

The most effective way to learn algebra is with a private teacher or tutor, someone who will tailor the lessons to fit the students' challenges and interests. Learning with a private teacher, and by doing so reinforcing what you are learning in school, will give you the chance to work on these subjects with a more personalized approach, which might be the most effective way to feel connected to any learning of any subject. Your teacher will recognize the strengths and weaknesses you might have and devise a method that is tailored to your needs. And because it is one on one, you can spend as much time as you would like going over an exercise or concept you might have a hard time grasping. An operation in algebra can be taught in many different ways; your teacher will find the one that makes sense to you or the one that is the easiest for you to assimilate.

Learning with a teacher will also give you one principal skill extremely valuable for the future: consistency. By learning with a teacher you will be committed to meeting with someone one on one and be consistent with your regularity, which means showing up to class and being prepared. Algebra is abstract and the benefits of learning it are several, but the student needs to feel motivated and eager to learn more about it, that is the most important and effective way to learn algebra or any subject.