Word Problems
Word problems are widely considered to be the most difficult part of mathematics curriculum. The main reason for this is due to the combination of both mathematics and literacy into one word problem. This combination can present children with additional challenges depending on their current reading skills and math computation abilities. The following articles have provided me with various techniques that I currently utilize in daily classroom problems.
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Article 1: Reading and Understanding Written Math Problems
In order to solve a mathematics word problem you need to understand what it is asking. The reason many children struggle with word problems is because it is a combination of reading and comprehension. A word problem has several different steps. After reading and comprehending the problem, the child needs to identify the question that needs to be answered. The last step of the process is to create an equation and solve.
English Language Learners (ELLs) generally have the most difficulty when solving and working with word problems. The reason for this is due to key terminology. Many of the ELLs do not know the key terminology within a word problem, preventing them from correctly solving the problem. Key terminology refers to “fewer than,” “more than,” or “same as” found within a word problem. However, relying solely on the understanding of key terminology will not always solve each problem correctly. Students will tend to look for those key terms and refrain from reading the remainder of the problem. When this occurs, the context of the problem is generally misperceived. The best way for ELLs and other struggling students to solve word problems is to act out the problem in a “hands-on” fashion. The use of manipulative helps children to grasp the concept and purpose behind the problem.
Krick-Morales , B. (2006). Reading and understanding written math problems.
Retrieved from http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/13281/
In order to solve a mathematics word problem you need to understand what it is asking. The reason many children struggle with word problems is because it is a combination of reading and comprehension. A word problem has several different steps. After reading and comprehending the problem, the child needs to identify the question that needs to be answered. The last step of the process is to create an equation and solve.
English Language Learners (ELLs) generally have the most difficulty when solving and working with word problems. The reason for this is due to key terminology. Many of the ELLs do not know the key terminology within a word problem, preventing them from correctly solving the problem. Key terminology refers to “fewer than,” “more than,” or “same as” found within a word problem. However, relying solely on the understanding of key terminology will not always solve each problem correctly. Students will tend to look for those key terms and refrain from reading the remainder of the problem. When this occurs, the context of the problem is generally misperceived. The best way for ELLs and other struggling students to solve word problems is to act out the problem in a “hands-on” fashion. The use of manipulative helps children to grasp the concept and purpose behind the problem.
Krick-Morales , B. (2006). Reading and understanding written math problems.
Retrieved from http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/13281/
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Article 2: Math Word Problems
The phrase “word problems” tends to create various negative thoughts in the minds of many elementary aged students as blank stares come across their faces. The reason for this is due to the overwhelming nature of word problems in the minds of many children. Children often panic when seeing a paragraph of words asking only one simple question. Many students who may succeed well with mathematics problems may not be as confident or proficient in those of language arts. It is no surprise that word problems require a large amount of reading in order to solve.
To alleviate much of this overwhelming stress related to word problems, students need to be taught the appropriate and proper problem solving strategies. The first step to solving a problem is to take a deep breath (or two). This will allow you to relax as more oxygen is flowing to your brain, helping to think as you’re working through the problem. Be sure to read through the problem twice, circling all of the numbers as you are reading. The next step is to underline the sentence asking the question you are attempting to solve. Finally, determine the appropriate operations needed to answer the problem and continue to solve. When approaching an overwhelming word problem, be sure to follow this step-by-step process when attempting to solve.
Harrison, G. (2010). Math word problems: Gaining proficiency with mathematical word problems is a crucial skill for your students to master.
Retrieved from http://www.lessonplanet.com/article/elementary-math/math-word-problems
The phrase “word problems” tends to create various negative thoughts in the minds of many elementary aged students as blank stares come across their faces. The reason for this is due to the overwhelming nature of word problems in the minds of many children. Children often panic when seeing a paragraph of words asking only one simple question. Many students who may succeed well with mathematics problems may not be as confident or proficient in those of language arts. It is no surprise that word problems require a large amount of reading in order to solve.
To alleviate much of this overwhelming stress related to word problems, students need to be taught the appropriate and proper problem solving strategies. The first step to solving a problem is to take a deep breath (or two). This will allow you to relax as more oxygen is flowing to your brain, helping to think as you’re working through the problem. Be sure to read through the problem twice, circling all of the numbers as you are reading. The next step is to underline the sentence asking the question you are attempting to solve. Finally, determine the appropriate operations needed to answer the problem and continue to solve. When approaching an overwhelming word problem, be sure to follow this step-by-step process when attempting to solve.
Harrison, G. (2010). Math word problems: Gaining proficiency with mathematical word problems is a crucial skill for your students to master.
Retrieved from http://www.lessonplanet.com/article/elementary-math/math-word-problems