Professional Development Institute

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Solving Math Word Problems: Strategies Your Students Need

(Grades 4-8)

 

Do your students do fine on math computation tests but struggle with word problems? Are they lost when they approach a word problem? Do they need strategies to help them solve word problems? All of these issues are addressed in this course. Specific strategies are presented with sample problems for each.

"I gained a lot of valuable information taking this class and have implemented many of the strategies in my classroom. It is refreshing to take a class that you can benefit from." - Patricia Siqueiros

    Tuition $185   Tell a Friend About PDI Online Courses

Topical Outline/Three Units    Click here to request a copy of the syllabus

Unit One
  • Introduction to the Course
  • Assignment #1: Write an Autobiography
  • A New View of Teaching Math
  • Introduction to Math Strands

Unit Two

  • The Problem-Solving Classroom
  • Problem-Solving Vocabulary
  • Solving Single and Two-Step Problems
  • Assignment #2: Write two single-step problems and one multi-step problem that is appropriate for the grade level you teach.

Unit Three

  • Solving Multi-Step Problems

  • Word Problem Patterns

  • Estimation

  • Assignment #3: Take a close look at the word problems from any chapter in the math book you use in your classroom. Analyze what skills/operations each question is trying to assess.

Unit Four

  • Strategy: Choose an Operation

  • Strategy: Identify Extra Information

  • Assignment #4: Have students create word problems that contain too much information.  Write a reflection about the problems the students wrote, their ability to solve the problems, and its value as a learning experience. Or, write problems with extra information that you will use with students in the future.

Unit Five

  • Strategy: Work Backwards

  • Strategy: Use Visuals

  • Assignment #5: Solve several word problems on your own

Unit Six

  • Strategy: Logical Reasoning

  • Real World Problems

  • Problem Solving Assessment

  • Assignment #6: Find word problems on the Internet and solve a logical reasoning puzzle

 

 

 

Chapman Course Number: 9432B

Three Graduate Level Credits

PDI Course Number: 85A13

 

  Tuition $185

 

 

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