While the focus of this article is on algebra, the article generalizes to making all word problems relevant to the lives of the students. Studies have shown that students try harder and more motivated to improve their performance. The National Council of Teachers of Math (NCTM) says it is particularly difficult for students to make the switch from looking at a concrete artitmetic problem (Example: cost of a sweater on sale for 20% off) to the generalized arithmetic in algebra. I suspect our Title I math students have difficulties making this switch more frequently.
Well worth reading and thinking how you could "tweak" your word problems to better relate to practical situations familiar to your students.
What examples do you have to share?
Studies Find Payoff in 'Personalizing' Algebra. Sarah D. Sparks.9.26.12. Education Week-Premium Article
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/09/26/05personalize_ep.h32.html?tkn=VXCF9%2FGwGEwqob5w42Qm3zUqP9uCwwmsnyD8&cmp=clp-sb-ascd
No comments:
Post a Comment