Using Choice to Engage Students in Problem Solving: 7th and 8th Grade Mathematics

Abstract

This curriculum project was designed to increase levels of student autonomy by providing choice between tasks and techniques a student can use when studying algebraic equations at the 7th and 8th grade levels. This curriculum was designed for teachers to offer students a choice between two or three alternatives when practicing new skills. By providing students with a range of different contexts in which they can practice and develop algebraic concepts and skills, students can experience a sense of autonomy, which increases intrinsic motivation and learning outcomes. The curriculum provides three lessons with three student choices for learning each lesson. The lessons cover methods and procedures for generating equations with a single variable and using the distributive property to simplify expressions. The keys for all instructional materials are included in the appendix.