Grades 3-5 Math Problem Solving in Action_ Getting Students to Love Word Problems

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

162 ◆ Assessment


errors. Students must engage in ongoing and deep reflection about their
problem-solving strengths and weaknesses. Word problems are notoriously
difficult, but through a scaffolded program of intentional assessment, analy-
sis, interpretation and reflection we can get all students to do well.


Reflection Questions



  1. Do you perform a specific word problem assessment at least three
    times a year?

  2. Do you collect the data and perform an analysis and interpretation
    of the specific error patterns?

  3. Do you ever conduct word problem running records on your
    students?

  4. Do you have your students reflect on their problem-solving skills
    and set goals to get better?


References


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understanding in solving word problems. Cognitive Psychology
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goals and objectives. Management Review, 70 (11), 35–36.
Dyer, K. (2014). Proof that Student Self-Assessment Moves Learning
Forward. Retrieved from https://www.nwea.org/blog/2014/
proof-student-self-assessment-moves-learning-forward/.
Koedinger, K. & Nathan, M. (2004). The real story behind story
problems: Effects of representations on quantitative reasoning. The
Journal of the Learning Sciences, 13(2), 129–164.
Lewis, A. B., & Mayer, R. (1987). Students’ miscomprehension of
relational statements in arithmetic word problems. Journal of
Educational Psychology 79(4), 363–371.
Newman, M. A. (1977). An analysis of sixth-grade pupils’ errors on
written mathematical tasks. Victorian Institute for Educational
Research Bulletin, 39 , 31–43.
Newman, M. A. (1983). Strategies for diagnosis and remediation. Sydney:
Harcourt, Brace Jovanovich.
White, Allan L. (2005). Active mathematics in classrooms: Finding out
why children make mistakes—and then doing something to help
them. Square One, 15(4), 15–19.
Willis, G. B., & Fuson, K. C. (1988). Teaching children to use schematic
drawings to solve addition and subtraction word problems. Journal
of Educational Psychology, 2 , 192–201.

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