Word ProblemsOn this page you will find material that will help you to understand how we use word problems in our classroom, how to assist your child through the use of strategies, and practice word problems for your child to solve. Below are two summaries of articles on the topic of word problems. Both articles present research on the topic and I have outlined the key details that relate to my teaching of word problems.
|
Research on word problems
Helping Students With Emotional and Behavioral
Disorders Solve Mathematics Word Problems
In this academic research article by Peter Alter an intervention is tested to assist students with emotional and behavioral disorders to become skilled at solving mathematical word problems. All students must use strategies greater than simple computation skills such as adding and multiplying when solving word problems. They must access their higher level reasoning including choosing the correct operation, recognizing relevant information, and disregarding irrelevant information. The intervention used within this study was teaching the students a multi-step problem-solving strategy and using a reinforcement in the form of points. The students could then exchange the points they earned for snacks or time at an activity they enjoyed. The students involved in this research improved in their math problem-solving ability and they showed that they were engaged in the task more frequently.
This research is applicable to all children, because it highlights the impact that detailed problem-solving and positive reinforcement can have on children. When working with your child at home on word problems, assist them to break the problem apart into multiple steps if they are having difficulty. Also, if your child is off task or is lacking motivation use a positive reinforcement such as "When you complete these three word problems you will earn an extra 15 minutes on the computer."
Alter, P. (2012). Helping Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Solve Mathematics Word
Problems. Preventing School Failure, 56(1), 55-64.
Disorders Solve Mathematics Word Problems
In this academic research article by Peter Alter an intervention is tested to assist students with emotional and behavioral disorders to become skilled at solving mathematical word problems. All students must use strategies greater than simple computation skills such as adding and multiplying when solving word problems. They must access their higher level reasoning including choosing the correct operation, recognizing relevant information, and disregarding irrelevant information. The intervention used within this study was teaching the students a multi-step problem-solving strategy and using a reinforcement in the form of points. The students could then exchange the points they earned for snacks or time at an activity they enjoyed. The students involved in this research improved in their math problem-solving ability and they showed that they were engaged in the task more frequently.
This research is applicable to all children, because it highlights the impact that detailed problem-solving and positive reinforcement can have on children. When working with your child at home on word problems, assist them to break the problem apart into multiple steps if they are having difficulty. Also, if your child is off task or is lacking motivation use a positive reinforcement such as "When you complete these three word problems you will earn an extra 15 minutes on the computer."
Alter, P. (2012). Helping Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Solve Mathematics Word
Problems. Preventing School Failure, 56(1), 55-64.
Experimental Intervention Studies on Word Problem Solving and Math Disabilities: A Selective Analysis of the Literature
This academic article provides information about research involving intervention studies for children with math difficulties to solve word problems. The instructional strategies that were documented include elaboration, large-group learning, one-on-one instruction, peer modeling, questioning, reinforcement, small-group instruction, technology, and more. The research concluded that these strategies play a major role in outcomes for children with math difficulties when solving word problems.
This research is relevant to teaching your child math problems, because he or she may benefit from one of these instructional strategies to find their answer. Parents and teachers can use strategies such as elaboration and peer modeling to demonstrate ways in which to solve a specific word problem. It is important to remember that there is never only one way to solve a word problem. Allowing a child to expand on your strategy or alter it completely is encouraged, as long as they are still comprehending the information and finding the correct answer.
Zheng, X., Flynn, L. J., & Swanson, H. (2013). Experimental Intervention Studies on Word Problem
Solving and Math Disabilities: A Selective Analysis of the Literature. Learning Disability
Quarterly, 36(2), 97-111.
This academic article provides information about research involving intervention studies for children with math difficulties to solve word problems. The instructional strategies that were documented include elaboration, large-group learning, one-on-one instruction, peer modeling, questioning, reinforcement, small-group instruction, technology, and more. The research concluded that these strategies play a major role in outcomes for children with math difficulties when solving word problems.
This research is relevant to teaching your child math problems, because he or she may benefit from one of these instructional strategies to find their answer. Parents and teachers can use strategies such as elaboration and peer modeling to demonstrate ways in which to solve a specific word problem. It is important to remember that there is never only one way to solve a word problem. Allowing a child to expand on your strategy or alter it completely is encouraged, as long as they are still comprehending the information and finding the correct answer.
Zheng, X., Flynn, L. J., & Swanson, H. (2013). Experimental Intervention Studies on Word Problem
Solving and Math Disabilities: A Selective Analysis of the Literature. Learning Disability
Quarterly, 36(2), 97-111.
tips & strategies to teach word problems
The C.U.B.E Method
Steps:
Steps:
- Circle the numbers.
- Underline important words.
- Box the question.
- Eliminate unnecessary information.
Vocabulary Signposts in Word Problems
Below is a chart containing common vocabulary signposts that can be found within word problems. Through identifying key vocabulary words within a word problem your child will be able to identify the operation to use. Word problems typically involve one of the four main number operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Your child's knowledge of vocabulary signposts will add ease in beginning to solve word problems.
Below is a chart containing common vocabulary signposts that can be found within word problems. Through identifying key vocabulary words within a word problem your child will be able to identify the operation to use. Word problems typically involve one of the four main number operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Your child's knowledge of vocabulary signposts will add ease in beginning to solve word problems.
word problem practice
Problem #1
Sally bought 2 whole pizzas for her sleepover with her 4 best friends. Each of her friends requested a specific amount of pizza. Kelly wanted 1/4 of a whole pizza. Jenny wanted 1/3 of a whole pizza. Laura wanted 1/2 of a whole pizza. Melissa wanted 1/4 of a whole pizza. How much of the pizza was left for Sally?
Sally bought 2 whole pizzas for her sleepover with her 4 best friends. Each of her friends requested a specific amount of pizza. Kelly wanted 1/4 of a whole pizza. Jenny wanted 1/3 of a whole pizza. Laura wanted 1/2 of a whole pizza. Melissa wanted 1/4 of a whole pizza. How much of the pizza was left for Sally?
Problem #2
I am a 4-sided polygon. There are not many objects that are my shape. Two of my sides are equal lengths. Two of my sides are not parallel. Two of my sides are parallel. What am I?
I am a 4-sided polygon. There are not many objects that are my shape. Two of my sides are equal lengths. Two of my sides are not parallel. Two of my sides are parallel. What am I?
Problem #3
You have been wanting to buy a new video game to play, but you do not have enough money to purchase it yet. Your dad agrees to pay you for mowing the front lawn to help you earn enough money for the video game. Your dad will pay you $0.02 a square foot. The front lawn is 64 feet long and 32 feet wide. What is the square footage of the front yard and how much money will you earn if you mow it completely?
You have been wanting to buy a new video game to play, but you do not have enough money to purchase it yet. Your dad agrees to pay you for mowing the front lawn to help you earn enough money for the video game. Your dad will pay you $0.02 a square foot. The front lawn is 64 feet long and 32 feet wide. What is the square footage of the front yard and how much money will you earn if you mow it completely?
*Math problem practice answers*
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.3
Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.3.4.A
Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.
Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.3.4.A
Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.