Lions, Tigers, and WORD PROBLEMS - OH MY!

Let’s talk word problems!

Word problems have long been a challenging aspect of mathematics education. Students often find themselves lost in a sea of numbers, struggling to understand the real-world context behind the calculations. However, by approaching word problems with a focus on comprehension rather than finding quick answers, we can unlock a world of mathematical understanding. In this blog post, we'll explore strategies that promote conceptual understanding, ignite students' imagination, and transform word problems into captivating stories.

I’m going to state a drastic opinion here and tell you that there is not one single great approach to teaching kids word problems. But there are some things that students should always do when approaching a word problem.

• Tell the Problem as a Story: Instead of presenting word problems as dry mathematical exercises, encourage students to transform them into stories using their own words. By retelling the problem, students actively engage with the scenario, bringing it to life. This makes it a little more fun but even more importantly, assures you that they understand what is going on in the story.
  For example, when looking at the problem: A pet store has 24 hamsters in total. There are 8 cages to house the hamsters, with an equal number of hamsters in each cage. How many hamsters are in each cage?

  Students should be able to explain it something like this: They started out with 24…they split them up into cages and the same amount in each cage. I need to figure out how many in each cage.
  This restatement shows you that they:

  • Understand equal (they say “the same”)

  • Know what the story starts with (a total)

  • Know what they need to find out

  However students restate the problem, they need to know these things: what they’re starting with, what is changing, and what they need to find out (sometimes they need to find out the start!)

• Connect Students to the Problem: To deepen students' engagement, establish connections between their own lives and the word problem. Personalize the scenario by changing names, settings, or topics. By making it relatable, students become emotionally invested in the problem, fostering a deeper understanding. I always encourage students to change the name in the problem to their name. Change the objects to things they have or know more about.

• Visualize the Problem: Visual aids play a crucial role in helping students grasp the problem context. Encourage students to draw what is happening, build models, or even act out the problem situation. By visualizing the problem, abstract concepts become tangible, providing students with a solid foundation for problem-solving. I have found the most success with students drawing the situation. It’s important to note that when I’m speaking about drawing, I mean the problem (not necessarily the numbers). I want to see that they understand if something is being joined, separated, grouped, etc.

• Try Different Approaches: Recognize that not all students learn in the same way. Provide a variety of problem-solving approaches and strategies, allowing students to explore and find the methods that resonate with them. Some students may prefer drawing, while others may lean toward building models or acting out the scenario. Celebrate diversity and foster individualized learning experiences.

• Ask Questions: Resist the urge to provide immediate answers or save students from the struggle. Instead, ask thought-provoking questions that guide them towards the information they need to solve the problem. Questions stimulate critical thinking, encourage students to analyze the problem from different angles, and develop problem-solving skills.

What to Avoid:

1. Avoid Relying on Keywords: Research shows that relying solely on keywords does not significantly aid students in understanding word problems. Instead, focus on developing comprehension skills and connecting mathematical concepts to real-life situations.

2. Don't Limit Strategies to One Approach: Teaching only one problem-solving strategy can limit students' understanding. Embrace a variety of strategies and connect them with visual representations. Visuals provide a concrete representation of abstract concepts, supporting students in their problem-solving journey.

3. Don't Rush for Answers: Remember, the ultimate win lies in developing strong thinking skills, not just finding correct answers. Encourage students to take their time, think critically, and engage in the problem-solving process. Emphasize understanding over speed.

Think of word problems as its own type of reading genre. Students need to know how to read it before they even ever start combining computation with it. Throw out the need for answers at first, and just practice understanding word problems. No answers - just explaining the story. This is why numberless word problems are so successful. We aren’t assessing if students can compute, but if they can understand.

As educators, we can transform the way students perceive word problems by shifting the focus to comprehension, storytelling, and visualization. By treating word problems as a unique genre of reading and nurturing students' ability to understand, connect, visualize, plan, and solve, we equip them with essential skills for solving mathematical and real-life problems. Let's ignite their curiosity, unleash their imagination, and empower them to tackle word problems with confidence and understanding.

Remember, it's not just about the answers; it's about the journey of good thinking!

As always, happy Math-ing!