Instructional practice in algebra: Building from existing practices to inform an incremental improvement approach

Algebra is considered key to success in secondary mathematics, yet instruction remains mostly teacher-centered and procedurally oriented, with limited opportunities for students to develop algebraic understanding. This study draws on a large sample of video-recorded ninth grade U.S. algebra lessons to explore the nature of learning opportunities that may help deepen students’ algebraic understanding. I highlight aspects of opportunities to learn algebraic procedures and describe instruction that can enrich these opportunities. I posit that this holds promise as an incremental improvement approach—relatively small adjustments in teachers’ current practices that can serve as a bridge to more ambitious teaching.