Instructional Design: Teaching Algebraic Equations to Grade 8 Students with Involvement of Mathematical Reasoning in Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum

Abstract

Mathematics tends to be a subject that is not favored due to a misunderstanding of the whole concept. The author believes that through involvement of mathematical reasoning skills and proper instructional strategies, students understanding can be transformed and students will be able to relearn the concept. The aim of this paper is to help teachers to recreate their lesson plans in a form of an instructional design with the involvement of mathematical reasoning, specifically in learning and relearning algebraic equations (constructivism), that can further diminish the anxiety and frustration students experience due to misconceptions in their algebraic comprehension. Through a combination of theories related to the teaching and learning of algebra in secondary school and frameworks regarding instructional strategies, the betterment of mathematical reasoning is expected to go along the relearning process, and the students will be equipped to move forward in learning mathematics. This instructional design will provide a variety of learning activities ideas, including a sample lesson plan along with other supporting documents for learning activities that teachers can use in the classroom.