You may have heard this complaint or even made it yourself: “These tests are more about reading than they are about math!” Students are increasingly asked to understand and apply math to situations, rather than just perform an operation on numbers. This involves reading the math text that sets out the problem scenario.
Add to that […]
Archive for the 'Problem Solving' Category
Reading Math
Monday, August 3rd, 2009 4:37 pm
Written by: Terese Herrera
Dynamic Math and Science Learning With Simulations
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 4:15 pm
Written by: Kimberly Lightle
Bob Panoff, executive director of Shodor and CSERD: Computational Science Education Reference Desk is passionate about using computational science teaching methods to stimulate student engagement in learning math and science from grades K to gray!
In a recent article for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) entitled “Simulations Deepen Scientific Learning,” he explains the […]
Posted in Topics: Algebra, Factors, Fractals, Geometry, Health, Integrating Technology, Life Sciences, Math, Modeling, Patterns, Probability, Problem Solving, Quick Takes, Science
Around a Circle: Measuring a Geometric Figure
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 12:45 pm
Written by: Terese Herrera
Your textbook has many, many problems on finding the measurements of a circle, so I looked for problems that are off the beaten track. The result is an unusual set of applications to the circle, therefore challenging but intriguing, I think, for middle school classes. Let your colleagues know of your own ideas and comments […]
Posted in Topics: Area, Circumference, Geometry, Math, Measurement, Pi, Problem Solving, Quick Takes
Testing! Beyond One-Step Math Problems
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 10:31 am
Written by: Terese Herrera
Middle school students often do well on straight calculations but feel lost when faced with more complex problems. And many tests these days require critical thinking and ask for an extended response. As in all test preparation, students need practice, especially on problems requiring more than one-step computation. Here are sites that offer test items […]
Posted in Topics: Assessment, Instruction, Math, Problem Solving, Process Skills (Mathematics), Quick Takes, Reasoning, Word Problems
Solving Equations: Lesson Ideas
Friday, January 2nd, 2009 9:30 am
Written by: Terese Herrera
Your own textbook has numerous pages on equations and their solutions. What I’ve pulled together here are scenarios that involve students in solving equations in unusual contexts. A change of pace, a different approach. If you have found lesson ideas on working with equations that you’d like to share with colleagues, please share the wealth!
Algebra—Fun […]
Posted in Topics: Algebra, Instruction, Math, Problem Solving, Process Skills (Mathematics), Quick Takes
Let’s Play Math!
Friday, June 13th, 2008 11:16 am
Written by: Kimberly Lightle
Math games open an arena for strategic planning and reasoning, one of the NCTM Process Standards. Many games also provide practice in basic operations or problem solving, and all motivate the active participation we hope for in the classroom.
The Maths File Game Show
A collection of 12 interactive games that deal with basic concepts of […]
Posted in Topics: Arithmetic, Logic, Math, Number and Operations, Problem Solving, Process Skills (Mathematics), Quick Takes
Word Problems
Thursday, May 15th, 2008 4:32 pm
Written by: Kimberly Lightle
Problem solving, one of the NCTM Process Standards, is critical to learning mathematics. Students may feel confident with computation, measurement, and statistics, but they can feel completely lost when asked to apply those skills to a word problem. How to start? What to do next? This page offers an introduction to problem-solving strategies, followed by […]
Posted in Topics: Education Issues, Math, Problem Solving, Process Skills (Mathematics), Quick Takes, Word Problems






Posted in Topics: Instruction, Literacy, Math, Problem Solving, Process Skills (Mathematics), Quick Takes, Vocabulary, Word Problems
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