Solving Word Problems

One of the discussions that came out of the data-based planning meetings was the desire for a simple, standard procedure for solving word problems.  It was discussed that students often struggle to know where to start when presented with a word problem.  They usually know to look for numbers.  There are a few key words that they understand to mean add or subtract.  They may figure out what the label should be on the answer at the end.  Over the years, we have all taught different processes, tips, mnemonics and rules for decoding a math word problem.  Combined with the multiple strategies and new ways of thinking about math functions, it seems that there are too many options for students and they are getting lost in the procedures.

A suggestion was made to develop a standard problem solving method.  A series of clear and concise steps that all students can use to decipher any word problem regardless of the exact math strategy they plan to use.  A quick search was conducted and we came upon CUBES.  It sounds very much like processes used in different classrooms.  It is most likely already being used by some teachers.  In fact a similar pre-set math poster was found in our VariQuest poster printer software.  It is by no means new and earth-shattering, but as a set of standard language for attacking and making sense of a word problem for all students throughout the building it could be the thing that makes the process click for some of our students.  It could be part of someone's "Aha!" moment.

There are currently 2 poster designs to support the CUBES methodology.  The simple version is located below.  It features the mnemonic, defining statements with graphic representations and examples of math action words for each operation.  A more detailed version that includes a sample problem and list of suggested steps to solve a problem is also available, but there isn't currently a digital image for your review.

In reviewing the posters with teachers, some creative suggestions for using them have developed. The posters are available for display in the classroom.  They can be laminated and used during a lesson with overhead markers.  A flipchart version of each chart will be created to be used with your Promethean Boards during active lessons.  Finally, individual copies can be made on paper or card stock to be used by students at their desks, as a classroom learning and reference tool, in a center or kept in a homework folder for reference.

The goal of standardizing any process like this is to provide our students with a familiar, comfortable process that will aide in their recall.  Using common language and processes will create a school-wide that will help our students build fluency and automaticity in the procedure for solving a word problem, even as they continue to be exposed to new and varied math strategies.