A Qualitative Synthesis of Algebra Intervention Research

Abstract

Completion of a quality Algebra course by 8th grade is a prerequisite for successful entry into STEM majors; thus best practices in this critical course must be as equitable as possible to support STEM recruitment and retention. However, if the research base for Algebra is under-examines some populations of students, structural inequity may be unintentionally built into evidence-based practices. The purpose of this synthesis is to examine the ways in which qualitative Algebra strategy research did –or did not- account for equity issues including gender, SES, rural students, special education status, ethnicity, and native language through theoretical and participant choices. This synthesis used qualitative research integration techniques to provide a summary of fifty-eight qualitative investigations of Algebra 1 teaching strategies.  The majority of studies specified constructivism, social constructivism, and situated cognition theoretical frameworks or did not specify a theoretical framework.  The majority of research questions addressed the effectiveness of a particular pedagogical technique or intervention. Results suggest that the majority of study participants were Caucasian students from suburban localities and did not include sufficient detail necessary for replication.