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Back to: Case Study: Word Problems in Mathematics

Mini-Lesson used for Case Study: Word Problems in Mathematics: Teaching/Student Strategies to Comprehend Word Problems by Victoria Keller

Topic/Purpose

Many students have difficulty with solving mathematical word problems. These difficulties could be due to reading comprehension or have trouble understanding the mathematical concept. As teachers, we want to gather various strategies that will expand our students' understanding of word problems and the use of math concepts they have learned to solve problems dealing with real world situations. Research relating to student critical thinking skills and ability to gain new learning have helped in understanding the root to this difficulty and how we can assist students through problem solving. Various teaching strategies have been implemented into lessons in order to assist students in working through problems independently.

Needs Assessment

1. Instructional Problem

In today's Mathematics curriculum, students are being assessed on their capability of applying math concepts to real world situations. Hence, students are to solve word problems related to math ideas. My case-study will communicate how my teaching and findings have engaged my students in word problems that relate to real world situations.

2. The Nature of What is to be Learned

For myself being a learner throughout this case-study, I will become familiar with studies relating to problem solving as well as learn various strategies that will assist my student in solving mathematics word problems.

3. About the Learner

For myself being the learner, I am currently and primarily working with mathematics students from 6th grade to 8th grade. I have experience with teaching students mathematics and will be comfortable sharing my experiences and thoughts.

4. Instructional Content

I will begin with learning an overview of the issues surrounding word problems in the classroom and will share my prior knowledge and experiences. In Unit 1, I will learn about different teaching strategies through professional articles and videos. By the end of this unit, I will develop the motivation and objectives in a problem solving lesson that I will be create by the end of the course. In Unit 2, I will learn about student strategies through various resources related to solving word problems. I will utilize these strategies in my developing lesson to create the procedures and evaluation. As an evaluation to the course, I will complete my problem solving lesson and write a reflection on my observations throughout the lesson. A survey related to the course will be completed by myself to share my thoughts/findings and also provide suggestions to improving the course for future students.