What Is the Algebra Cohort?
A cohort is a group of people united in an effort.
Unlike traditional classes in which the teacher directs most of the teaching, the algebra cohort focuses on collaborative learning and real-world problems to help students be successful in algebra. We believe that two minds working together can achieve more than one working alone, and three are better than two. In fact, research shows that the ability to work with others is a highly desired characteristic by college and workplace recruiters. In the algebra cohort, students work in small groups to problem solve and understand the material. Additionally, the curriculum is based mainly on real-world word scenerios and problems in which students use mathematics to come up with solutions. I know this seems challenging, and, it is. Most students at the beginning of the year have
let us know that they do not like word problems and feel they are too difficult, by the end of the year, students report feeling much more comfortable with word problems and feel they are actually strong in solving word problems. Furthermore, we have found that students understand the utility of mathematics.
In our cohort, there are two certified teachers. This allows students to have their questions answered more readily, provide more individualized support, and provide two different teaching styles and explanations to aide in student understanding. Additionally, we have twice the time to cover the Algebra curriculum. This allows the teachers to get to know the individual students and their learning styles, have time for additional activites, allows for students to work more at their own pace and understand the material more in-depth.
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