In this clip the teacher leads a discussion about what makes a situation exponential.
Introduction to Exponential Functions, Clip 4, 3:48
Notice how the teacher makes the students give WHY each rule for exponents makes sense, not just what the result is. It is important that the teacher require justification if the students are not spontaneously giving it.
The students will need to be familiar with properties of exponents so it can be very useful to review these when beginning exponential functions.
She is also reinforcing the terminology of base as the number that is being repeatedly multiplied.
She also gives meaning behind why they are exploring properties of exponents. This can help motivate why the class is spending time reviewing the topic.
