Emotions #: 2 (1 is high, 5 is low).
My Question: What is the effect of two 15 minute mini lessons/week when used to teach third grade to do CRT style constucted response math problems.
Since last session: I've continued collecting data, and added a new data piece-weekly open ended questions that hopefully will show how they think about math. Also I've taken my emotions survey down from 2xs/week to once/week.
What I need help on: How do I help them think critically about math problems? I need mini-lesson ideas to get them thinking deeper about the questions. My ideas-drawing pictures of the problems, and having the few successful ones share with the class how they did it.
Could you do something like Math Communities? You could give each community a specific math problem (making sure all communities have a similar type of math problem) they need to complete together and talk about. They could have 2-3 days to do this. Then, once all communities have solved their problems have them share with the other groups.
ReplyDeleteIt might help them to work together since this can be a hard concept for 3rd grade. Also, since they would be sharing out their ideas, they would benefit from hearing how others solve similar problems.
Aaron,
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough one. As you know, we have to directly teach the students how to think about their mathematical thinking. I like you idea. I would label them and then post them in the classroom. Maybe you could do a mini-lesson where you model your thinking and then the students and you discuss and write about the process you took to critically think about solving the math problem. And have the kids talk! Talking is so important. I have been doing this in my class. It takes time but I see progress. I also suggest having the students work together and critically think together to solve a math problem.
I like Kara's suggestions. Do you model your critical thinking for the class in math as well as other subjects?
ReplyDeleteKara-I love it! I've been thinking about that myself, but need to think about the implementation. I'm not that experienced with facilitating student groupwork-any tips on how I can make their communities productive?
ReplyDeleteMichelle-I model my thinking for them, but that tends to mostly feel like they're just watching me do something-they're passive.
Kenna-I'll work on the talking part. You're right, it's so key. And I could have them write about it. "What did I do that added to what your classmates did?" "What did Mr. M. do that was different?" would be good writing prompts, I think (hope!). Any thoughts on the writing prompts?
During their group work visit each group for a couple minutes and ask them open ended questions. Don't help them solve anything though (I know this is hard since it goes against the nature of all teachers) just keep asking them over and over. The first one will be pretty laborous for them but they will get the hang of it. If they keep pestering you for the "answer" just keep saying, "I don't know, you tell me how you would find it." As you listen to them, continue with your open questions like "What made you decide to do that first." When it seems like they are getting it, move on to the next group and so on.
ReplyDeleteI would like to jump in an add a suggestions, if you don't mind!!!
ReplyDeleteI suggest you do a few mini-lessons on how to ask thoughtful questions of themselves and one another. "What makes a question thoughtful?" "What key words are effective in starting your question?" As Kenna said, allowing your young mathematicians the time to talk about their thinking is critical. Teaching them how to ask questions of themselves and their classmates is also critical. I've taught 4th graders this type of work and found it to be a long process but worth the time it took to teach this thinking. If you'd like more info, let me know!
Holly-Yes, I would like more info! A thousand times, yes! That sounds great, and seems laborious and unreachable for most of my class at the moment.
ReplyDeleteKara-those are great, concrete ('actionable' would be the buzz word) ideas. Thanks!
Like Holly said, it is a long process but they will get it with your consistency.
ReplyDelete