Lesson 2: Identifying Student Skills
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Using Writing to Assess Students' Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills in Mathematics
Lesson 1: Writing in the Mathematics Classroom
Lesson 3: Creating Word Problems
Lesson 2: Identifying Student Skills
In this lesson you will evaluate examples of students' writing in response to assigned word problems. Your task will be to determine which show evidence of problem-solving, critical thinking, and metacognitive skills as well as any misunderstandings that may be present. Once you have evaluated all of the examples you will participate in a discussion with your classmates to discuss your findings and determine how the examples provide meaningful information about the students.
Objective:
Teachers will classify students' written work by categorizing writing reflective of metacognitive skills, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and/or misunderstandings.
Goal:
Teachers will be able to identify the strengths and/or weaknesses of the student examples.
Task 1: View the introductory video
Task 2: Read and critique the student examples listed below. Pay particular attention to evidence of metacognitive, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as well as any evidence of misunderstandings or misconceptions.
The Question Posed to Each Student:
Zoë is having a get together with friends and she is inviting 177 people. She decided to have a cake for dessert. The cake is 3 ft. tall and weighs 15 pounds. She is afraid she will not have enough cake for everyone who attends.
What size will the pieces need to be in order to have enough to serve everyone if all of her guests show up?
Task 3: Participate in a discussion with your classmates to address the following:
- What was your first reaction while reading the student examples?
- List at least one (1) example of student skills and/or misunderstandings from each example (try to list evidence not previously noted by another classmate).
- Discuss how the examples you listed help teachers better understand students' needs and abilities.
- Discuss how the examples could inform your current practice.
Lesson 1: Writing in the Mathematics Classroom
Lesson 3: Creating Word Problems
Back to Home Shelli Casler-Failing
Shelli Casler-Failing's Portfolio Page
Using Writing to Assess Students' Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills in Mathematics