We all know the the rules of exponents covered in freshman algebra. The question is, what is the best way to approach these topics as most 9th graders struggle in this area?
I work as an after school tutor at a high school and most of the problems the freshman are having deal with exponent rules. They all have different teachers, so it really cannot be the teachers' fault that they don't get it. All of the math teachers at my school have bachelor's degrees in Mathematics and either a teaching credential or an M.Ed. I was wondering what sound curriculum is available in teaching this topic? I need to find a curriculum that also goes beyond the mechanical and has students to critically think.