Can anyone share their most effective strategies they have used for teaching their students to solve mult-step math problems?
In the 7th grade, the students learn to Examine, Plan, Solve and Evaluate. We have the NYS Math Assessment in March, so I am going to start reviewing with my 7th and 8th graders. I plan on focusing on pictoral representation to start, but was wondering if anyone has any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Hi BKM,
It’s good to see that you are using a pictorial approach. I run a forum for Dyscalculia, where grades 7 & 8 are critical times. With the introduction of multi-step problem solving.
Though one of the major causes of Dyscalculia, is under-developed Visual and Spatial Thinking skills.
Basically being able to effectively use Visualisation.
The crucial thing about Visualisation and ‘Multi-Steps’. Is that Multi-steps can be visualised as a ‘single image’. So that an equation can be recalled Visually as a single image.
Though, if a student cant effectively use Visualisation, then they have to recall it Verbally.
Which makes it extremely difficult, to define Steps.
As a very simple example, with: 3x[6+7]-2= .
It is easy to see the steps.
But, on the other hand, maybe you could try and recall 3x[6+7]-2= . Only as words?
The ‘closures/brackets’ that define a step, present a major problem for verbal recall.
BKM, I’m happy to see that you’re using a ‘pictorial approach. Though I’m just wondering if you could possibly raise this issue of Visualising with your Students, and see who can or cant visualise the pictorial images that you have just shown them?
Where some students might be helped by practising some simple visualisation exercises?
You might also like to visit my forum:
www.dyscalculiaforum.com/
Geoff,