Anna Papazoros

Why Do Children Struggle When Solving Math Problems???

Introduction:

Have you ever read a math word problem and then asked yourself “What?” and then said “ I don’t get it!” If you have, then you are not alone. Many times children read a word problem and then struggle when they have to solve it. What is causing these children to have such difficulty when they are asked to solve a problem?

Task:

You and a partner will navigate through this WebQuest and research why children face difficulties when they solve math problems.

-You will also conduct a google survey to find out how many children struggle with word problems and what they think causes their struggle.

- You will also be asked to submit your own reflection on how you feel about word problems..

-Create a flip grid teaching kids on how to be strong problem solvers.

-https://www.conversationsfromtheclassroom.org/2020/09/why-students-struggle-with-word.html

-https://www.cde.state.co.us/comath/word-problems-guide

Process:

Using the PPA Process, you will follow the six steps to solving the problem of why children struggle with solving math problems. The Steps are as follows: define the problem, gather the evidence, identify the cause, evaluate the existing policy, develop a solution, and select the best solution.

Day 1: Define the Problem:

For years, children of all ages have had to solve mathematical problems in which they have a hard time. Why are these problems so difficult for many children? What is the cause of these problems?

Read the following articles and video:

-https://www.conversationsfromtheclassroom.org/2020/09/why-students-struggle-with-word.html

-https://www.cde.state.co.us/comath/word-problems-guide

https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-whats-the-problem-with-word-problems/2017/12

WIth your partner, make a list of some reasons kids are experiencing these types of problems using information you read about.

Day 2 and Day 3: Gather the Evidence

WIth your partner, discuss some problems you face when you are solving word problems.

Then, you will create a list of problems you read about and your own personal experiences to ask your classmates if they experience those same problems when solving word problems.

Complete the google doc below:

Survey

https://www.3plearning.com/blog/math-problem-solving-strategies/

Strategies for Solving Word Problems in Math

Day 4: Analyze the Data

Let’s analyze the data you collected. Tell me what you found out.

Write down 3-5 sentences about what you have learned from the data you gathered.

Now that we are more aware as to why kids are struggling with word problems, let’s discuss what we do in our schools to help children.

-kids working in groups

-kids working with teacher one/one

-math pull out services

-going on ZEARN

-math support anchor charts hanging in the class

-problem solving charts given to children as support

Develop a Solution:

With your partner, you will create a Flipgrid. You will go to our Google Classroom for the join code and information on flip grid.

Evaluation :

You will be asked to:

-share with your classmates the problems kids face when solving word problems.

-share strategies on how kids can become better problem solvers

Remember to use information from the articles and videos. Here is the rubric that will be used to grade your presentation.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Q0JACoLWTqyHgPPZ9QHeo7n_3nvluvXvC9DXo6lVqE/edit

Conclusion:

I am proud of all the work you put into this project. I hope that this helped you learn a lot about problems kids have with problem solving and to know that you are not alone. I hope that you also learned some strategies that can help you tackle problems.

Standards:

NY-4.OA.3 Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. NY-4.OA.3a Represent these problems using equations or expressions with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.

STANDARD 4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning. Ensure that the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. STANDARD 5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays to express information and enhance understanding of presentations. STANDARD 6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of academic English when indicated or appropriate.