Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Two Step Word Problems Mr. Math notices that a group of students are struggling with two step word problems. Students were given a practice problem after modeling and working with base ten blocks for over a week. The students were able to explain their thinking and solve the problem with base ten blocks. However, when Mr. Math gave the same problem on paper, the students could not solve it. What can Mr. Math do to ensure students are grasping the concept of solving two step problems and being able to show their work? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) Mr. Math should offer base ten blocks when transitioning to the paper pencil problem. Build the student's confidence by choosing the struggling students to present the problem in the front of the class using them physically as the manipulatives while the rest of the class uses base ten blocks to model the same problem at their seats. Another strategy Mr. Math can offer is to slowly move from using manipulatives to along with the paper problems to modeling and practicing drawing what they have built with the manipulatives. For example: Once they have built the problem on their desks out of the base ten blocks, have them draw the model in their math journals. As they gain confidence and success, then they can begin to just draw the model on their paper until they gain full independence of utilizing their own resources to solve the problems without the use of manipulatives at all. Also consistent repetition of working through one step at a time is a key ingredient for success. For each step the children attempt and complete they can earn stars for incentives. Mr. Math can offer ice pops for treats at the end of the week if they earn a certain amount of stars. Also a poster presentation in the hallway offers positive incentive; for just attempting to show their thinking and work out the problem they can earn stars which is publically displayed.                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes The suggested solution is original Yes Comments: I also suggest allowing them to draw out the base ten blocks to help them. This can be very useful! Rated On: October 17, 2014 1:44 am Rated By: XeQymy                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes The suggested solution is original Yes Comments: Rated On: October 17, 2014 8:13 pm Rated By: uZyvaP                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes The suggested solution is original Yes Comments: I thought this solution was very useful. It provided many different methods to how this teacher could help the students and it was original. Offering an incentive will motivate students. Rated On: October 17, 2014 10:34 pm Rated By: ySaryN                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes The suggested solution is original Yes Comments: This is exactly what I would do, manipulatives are a great hands on approach that the kids can learn from Rated On: October 19, 2014 4:59 am Rated By: amemuW