I am working on pre-algebra with a 13 yo seventh grader. He is very mathematical when working problems in his head. He understands the computing of the problems. BUT he forgets things like remembering to check his signs (negative, positive) and remembering to invert the decimal when dividing fractions. Once reminded he can complete the problem correctly. What are some strategies for helping students remember things like this (sort of like a string around his finger)?
TIA,
Dawn
Re: Strategies for remembering to double check work..more
I use a mnemonic called CLOCKS for word problems:
C- Copy correctly
L- Label correctly
O-Operation (did I perform the correct operation)
C- Calculate correctly
KS-Know if my answer makes Sense
You could come up with something like that or a check list of steps.
Fern
Well, in the area of sentence writing I was going nuts when students did not remember to capitalize and punctuate. Each day I had my kids correct and rewrite the sentences of the day. So, I added three colors of highlighter to each side of the desk. I use a program in writing called Step Up to Writiing that also involves these colored highlighters. Even though the whole point was to practice “caps” and “puncs” some still forgot. The ones who continue to have problems I have them do an extra step.
Students cap the first word in the sentence with green, and end the punc in red. They use yellow to cap the other important words.
This has helped. SOmehow adding this extra step works. There is something about color that stands out. They see it right away.
My thinking is perhaps you could come up with a way to incorporate color into your math. For example, the student could highlight positive with blue and negative with red or something to that affect.
Michelle