I’m working on an applied project for my master’s in ESL. I want to create materials to help intermediate students (4-6) with word problems. Any suggested resources or ideas out there?
Re: Word Problems for ELL students
You’re right — lots of the language issues are the same.
Unfortunately there’s not a lot of good stuff out there… have you looked at the “math” section of this site under LD In Depth?
I’ve found presentations at conferences by JOyce Steeves or Harley Tomey to be very helpful — I would search for those names. Starting concrete and gradually establishing the connections between real, concrete examples and those silly symbolic langauge, and buiding in lots of practice — as you would with learning any language — is a key (that most materials seem to lack miserably!)
Re: Word Problems for ELL students
I use Connecting Math by SRA and I love the way it teaches word problems. It uses an arrow and teaches key words to help you put the information on the arrows. The way the info is on the arrow determines how you solve the problem. My students do not need the arrow anymore. They can read a problem and know how to set it up 99% of the time. It is a very systematic way to teach word problems. If you can get a teacher’s manual or a student book at level C or D you should look into it. You might get some good help.
I might add that LD students are learning a new language just as ESL students are. That’s why I thought I might find some information here.
Thanks.