Lesson study, word problems with systems of linear equations

Abstract

This lesson study is designed to teach an Intermediate Algebra course with realistic applications. These applications will be based on the typical college and local lifestyle. The study is designed to teach students how to translate a real world setting into algebraic language and solve it as a system of two equations. We will focus on immediate and long term retention along with student engagement. Primary data collection will be done by giving students questions to establish a baseline for content knowledge before the lesson is taught. Immediate retention will be shown by their answers given on a worksheet following the lesson. A few weeks later, students will be given more questions to test for long term retention. The expected results is that students will understand and retain the methods when given in a realistic way.