Spreadsheet algebra is a very powerful tool that can be used to teach algebra to students of ALL abilities.
Spreadsheet algebra is a very powerful tool that can be used to teach algebra to students of ALL abilities and all ages. Adult learners, in particular will love the practical applications that using formulae in a spreadsheet may bring. They may not even know you are talking about algebra unless you say so! And when they do know they will be really impressed!
The major reasons for this are:
- It is a genuine example of how algebra is used in the “real world”
- It reinforces the concept of a variable
- It reduces the likelihood of numerical errors obscuring the underlying mathematics
- It emphasises the importance of correct syntax
Many students do not see the ‘point’ of algebra. However, they are aware that they may need to use a spreadsheet after they’ve left school and entered the world of work and so may be more willing to learn mathematics in this “real-world” environment. Students may also be more willing to engage with algebra as a spreadsheet with formulae, that automatically calculate based on given inputs, is obviously more useful than one with fixed calculations in it.
Many students do not fully understand the concept of a variable. The use of x as the unknown is alien to many students and can produce problems. This is not helped by the fact that many students’ first experience of algebra is to solve equations. The result is that they see x as an unknown quantity whose value should be found as opposed to a variable. A formula in a spreadsheet changes when the variable(s) are changed: this allows students to observe how the output of a function varies as the input varies. It can be further reinforced if sliders or scroll-bars are added (on MS Excel this can be achieved by using the “Forms” toolbar). An additional advantage is that instead of typing in the cell-reference when entering a formula you can just click on the cell you want. This almost makes algebra a physical activity, where you ‘point’ at the variable you want (the Little Britain approach to algebra: “I want that one”).
Students can often miss the point when investigating mathematical ideas because a numerical error is giving a false result which is obscuring the mathematics. When using a spreadsheet as a tool to investigate an area of mathematics students can rely on the numerical values of calculations and therefore focus their attention on trying to identify and understand any relationships.
The correct syntax for written algebra can be confusing: you don’t write a multiplication sign, 2 + 3x means multiply by 3 first, etc. Spreadsheet algebra has a slightly different syntax (though helpfully still uses BIDMAS). This is analogous to learning a foreign language: it will have different grammatical rules, but learning these will improve your understanding of grammar in both of the languages and emphasise why it is important. Learning spreadsheet algebra will improve students’ understanding of the syntax of written algebra.