Traditionally, students were taught plug-in algorithms or procedures to solve specific types of arithmetical problems. Often, students had little understanding of the meanings of the operations and, therefore, would struggle when hitting a "gate-keeper" course like Algebra, which stresses abstract concepts.
Inquiry-based programs like Investigations seek to develop conceptual understanding so that routine procedures make mathematical sense. Such programs also seek to have students develop an array of problem-solving strategies. This provides students with more flexibility or agility in solving a problem by enabling them to choose from among strategies that make sense to them for a given problem.
