As a mathematics coach one area where I was constantly tapped for support was problem solving.The complexity of problem solving requires engaging students to make sense of a problem before they set out to solve it. What typically occurs in a math classroom is students read the problem and simply apply the latest skill they have been learning about using all numbers they explicitly identify.
This approach fails to recognize that problems have quantities that are both explicit and implicit and problems have situations in which students need to identify relevant information.
What are the explicit quantities in this problem? What are the implicit quantities?
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There are numerous approaches to problem solving, but one where I have found great success is the 3-Read strategy. This approach defuses students instinct to rush to an answer and provides a means to deepen their understanding of the situation and the mathematics.
Let's try the Three Reads Approach.
Read #1: Choral Read the problem and have students draw an illustration or write a sentence about what the problem is about.
Read #2: Choral Read the problem and have students identify the Quantity (the numbers) and identify the Units (what is being counted)
Read #3: Choral Read or Partner read and have students record questions they have about the situation.
Template Provided here |
Why this approach works?
3 Reads provides students with multiple opportunities to understand the problem and to unpack language so they can focus on identifying the quantities in a problem and the relationship to each other. It also personalizes the learning experience so that students can make their own connection and solve in ways that support their understanding. This is especially important for English language learners as comprehension is a common barrier to problem solving.
Finally this approach allows students to engage in problem solving while developing a mathematical mindset to do so. The use of a graphic organizer becomes a built in formative assessment tool for the teacher to have an understanding of what a student knows and does not know. Moreover the 3 Reads approach provides the teacher with an opportunity to scaffold instruction while guiding the student in the problem solving process.
Are you using the 3 Reads approach in your classroom? What is working and what modifications have you made to support student understanding?
This sounds like a great instructional technique to slow kids down and stop them from number grabbing. I'm looking forward to the ppt presentation!
ReplyDeleteHI If you send me your email I will give you access to the Google Docs presentation so you can edit and use in your class. My email is thewiredprofessor@gmail.com
DeleteI am always looking for more efficient problem solving techniques. This one looks very promising. lily.sykes@dumasisd.org
ReplyDeleteHadn't heard of the 3 reads for problem solving, but it sounds like something I want to use. We struggle SO much with problem solving. Thanks for this blog, and yes, I'd like to be able to use this Google presentation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog
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