Higher-order thinking skills are important in 9th grade Algebra because they help students go beyond just memorizing steps or formulasthey learn to analyze, evaluate, and apply mathematical concepts to new situations. These skills help students when it comes to to solving real-world problems, think critically, and make decisions based on reasoning rather than guesswork. In Algebra, this means understanding why a certain method works, not just how to plug in numbersto use it.

To promote higher-order thinking, I will encourage problem-solving that requires more than a single-step answer. Students will work on open-ended tasks, explain their reasoning, compare different methods, and reflect on their learning. Group discussions, math journaling, and real-life application problems will help deepen their understanding and make learning more meaningful.

An example of a higher-order thinking question in Algebra might be: "If two different quadratic functions intersect at two points, what can you say about the solutions to the system of equations formed by them? How would the graph support your answer?" This question asks students to analyze and explain relationships between graphs and algebraic solutions, moving beyond simple computation.