ABSTRACT
John Thorpe has brought into focus several important issues with respect to the content and methodology of algebra in the schools and has set a high tone for discussions. This chapter aims to provide the approach to teaching algebra for at least two reasons: first, to make essential concepts more understandable to students; second, to give students access to topics that otherwise would be delayed until late in the curriculum. The advantage of having calculators in algebra courses is that students can start with problems and calculators, rather than starting with axioms. When algebraic expressions arise in concrete problem settings as a means of summarizing numerical information, meaningful equations are suggested, and students can gain experience in identifying solutions to equations before they learn mechanical ways of solving equations. John has stated the appropriate goals for algebra: conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
