From: Hal Schneider <mathaid@earthlink.net>
To: Teacher2Teacher Public Discussion
Date: 2002020316:32:30
Subject: Problem Solving takes a lot for than generalizations

Although general techniques are useful, one must go back to
fundamentals. Many will agree that students who otherwise do quite in
math (as well as reading comprehension)stumble dramatically in solving
word problems. 

Looking at working papers, one can see disorganization especially with
preliminary arithmetic computations. Suppose we set a rule:

  DEVELOP THE EQUATION ! ABSOLUTELY NO ARITHMETIC BEFORE THIS IS     
ACHIEVED. 

Teach the arithmetic meaning of key, non-math words (and examples of
their use). For example, how many non-math words or phrases (used in
word problems) mean 'divided by'. Is there one-letter word in this
group ?  Yes !

Is the following true or false ?  Why ? 10 dimes/10 dimes = 1 dime


What about common format of equations used in different types of word
problems? e.g. mixtures, age, work, distance, etc. 

What is the first task of the student ?  Determine the name of the
answer !    (e.g.  = ? $ )

You may wish to visit my website for more of the above including a
free test (with answer and solutions) of critically important,
real-life word problems !   Happy reading

URL:   http://home.earthlink.net/~mathaid/mathbook.htm 
	

Post a reply to this message
Post a related public discussion message
Ask Teacher2Teacher a new question