Teaching transformations of functions can be an engaging and effective experience if you follow these four tips:
1. Start with the Basics
Before your students start transforming functions, you will want to make sure they have a good understanding of the parent functions (linear, quadratic, cubic, square root, etc.) You may want to take time to review key characteristics and vocabulary like domain, range, and end behavior.
2. Use Graphing Calculator or Interactive Activities
Using graphing calculators or interactive graphing exercises can help students observe the transformations in real-time and help them to grasp how changes in the parameters affect the graph. I have really enjoyed using some FREE activities at Desmos with my students!
3. Focus on Patterns with a Step-by-Step Approach
I am a list-maker by nature, so I really appreciated when my teachers gave me a pattern or list to follow when I started a difficult topic. Modelling what key words to look for or how to interpret transformations in a step-by-step manner may help your students as well. At the bottom of this article, you will find a link to a free download of the anatomy of a transformation. I’m gonna be honest; I still use it when I am working through transformations!
4. Practice Variety
Mix up the way you have your students practice writing transformations! It’s fine to have them do problems out of their textbook, but there are other options as well! If you have time to do some practice in class, make it a scavenger hunt and encourage group work! If students need to do the work on their own, give them a digital assignment in Google Slides or using TPT’s Easel! (I love the self-grading feature of Easel!) If you want to mix it up, but don’t have time to create a new masterpiece, take a look at these options that are ready for you!
Remember to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification. Utilize interactive activities, group discussions, and hands-on exercises to engage students and reinforce their understanding of transformations.
