45. MATHEMATICAL BACK-POCKET QUESTIONS (Questioning)
Description: Teachers use a variety of standard questions that assist students in focusing on the work of problem solving versus the feeling of frustration because they do not understand. These questions promote the idea of perseverance while thinking mathematically.
Application: Apply this method during guided instruction in most mathematics subjects.
Process: During guided instruction, survey students for overt or covert signs of frustration or confusion. Pose the following questions, as needed, to review broad mathematic principles and to assist students on how to approach and think through a difficult task: What do you already know? What do you need to know? What do you understand so far? What parts of this problem make sense to you? What in this problem doesn't yet make sense to you? How might we decide which approach makes more sense? What are some math ideas we've worked on before that could help you with this new idea?
Description: Teachers use a variety of standard questions that assist students in focusing on the work of problem solving versus the feeling of frustration because they do not understand. These questions promote the idea of perseverance while thinking mathematically.
Application: Apply this method during guided instruction in most mathematics subjects.
Process: During guided instruction, survey students for overt or covert signs of frustration or confusion. Pose the following questions, as needed, to review broad mathematic principles and to assist students on how to approach and think through a difficult task: What do you already know? What do you need to know? What do you understand so far? What parts of this problem make sense to you? What in this problem doesn't yet make sense to you? How might we decide which approach makes more sense? What are some math ideas we've worked on before that could help you with this new idea?
Reference, graphics, and/or for more information:
45. Mathematical Back-Pocket Questions
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept15/vol73/num01/Beyond-the-Right-Answer.aspx
45. Mathematical Back-Pocket Questions
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept15/vol73/num01/Beyond-the-Right-Answer.aspx