The document summarizes reflections from a math team on their strengths and growth areas. It discusses how they have strong skills in polynomial operations and solving linear equations, but need more practice with quadratics, systems of linear equations, and word problems. It provides strategies for improving work on word problems, including using graphic organizers and intentional practice with a framework of previewing the problem, predicting solutions, planning an approach, and checking work.

1. Math Team – ECA Reflections

2. Strengths
• Polynomial Operations
– Exponents
– Combining Like Terms
– Distributive Property
• Solving Linear Equations
– Inverse Operations
– Balance
– Isolating Variable

3. Growth Areas
• Quadratics
– Last piece of curriculum (rushed)
– More abstract, rarely contextualized for students
• Systems of Linear Equations
– Identifying & Applying strategies
– WORD PROBLEMS

4. Those sneaky word problems…..
• Simple concepts/procedures embedded in a
paragraph
• Higher level rigor (application)
• Lots of information to juggle at once

5. Word Problems Strategies
• Marzano’s HITS #4, #5  Practice & Graphic Organizers!
Marzano, R.J. (2001). Classroom Instruction that Works:
Research based strategies for increasing student
achievement.
• Intentional and regular practice/exposure (Ps and Qs)
Brunsting, John R., Silver, Harvey F., Walsh, T. (2008). Math
Tools: Grades 3-12. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin
Press

6. Word Problems in Motion
At a clothing store, you can buy 4 shirts and 2 pairs of jeans for $73.00. The cost of a pair of jeans is 2.50 more than twice the cost of a shirt.
What is the cost of a shirt?
The P’s and Q’s of Problem Solving
• Preview the problem and read it carefully
• Q: What is the problem asking you to do?
• Q: How can you write the problem in your own words?
• Practice using your prior knowledge
• Q: What other problems have you solved that are similar to this one?
• Q: What did you do to solve those problems?
• Predict how the problem might be solved
• Q: What are some different ideas you have for solving the problem?
• Q What are some obstacles or difficulties you might face in solving this problem?
• Plan for problem solving
• Q: What strategy will you use to solve the problem?
• Q: Why did you select this strategy?
• Put your plan into action by solving the problem
• Q: How did you arrive at your solution? Describe the steps in your answer.
• Q: Are your calculations correct? Does your solution make sense?
• Prepare a similar problem for someone else
• Q: How would you design a similar problem for a friend to solve?