Impact of Abstract Algebra on Teachers’ Understanding of and Approaches to Instruction in Solving Equations

Abstract

This chapter presents a study investigating how a workshop focused on abstract algebra impacted teachers' understanding of secondary content and pedagogy. By discussing how the workshop impacted the ways teachers understand the mathematics they will teach and how they will teach it, our goal is to better understand how knowledge of the connections between advanced and secondary content may be related to the teaching and learning of mathematics. That is, we hope to advance our understanding of the specific abstract algebra content that could provide secondary teachers with the knowledge they need to make best use of mathematical connections in ways that not only improve their own understanding of algebra, but also allow them to make pedagogical decisions that can help students develop deeper understandings of algebra.