Math Empowers 5
Middletown Township Public Schools
Fifth Grade • 4th Quarter • 2016-2017
Questioning Techniques to Assess Student Understanding
Research has shown that questions requiring students to think meaningfully are not asked enough; most questions asked of students simply require the recall of facts. It is important for teachers to refine questioning techniques to properly develop students' reasoning ability, which is critical under the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Stating the "correct" answer is not enough any more; the explanation to how that answer was obtained is key. So, how can teachers shift the way they question to elicit such types of answers? Try asking questions that encourage a range of responses, such as what do you notice? Give students time to think before calling for a response, which should allow their thinking to develop further. Encourage students to ask each other questions and respond to one another. Ask students to speculate. For more ideas on questioning techniques that encourage meaningful thinking, click here.
Customary and Metric Conversions
In Chapter 10 of GO Math!©2015, students will be learning about measurement systems. Check out this lesson, which asks students to use a "nonsense unit" to determine how to convert and then apply what is learned to standard measurement systems. This is a great way for students to "discover" how to convert measures within a system.
PARCC is coming!
To familiarize students with the different types and formats of math questions they will see on the PARCC test this year, consider administering a PARCC practice test. These can be taken electronically to simulate the experience the students will have when taking the PARCC test, or printed and completed on paper. Some other items, such as the TestNav8 tutorial, Equation Editor guide, and several computer-based accommodation tutorials can be found here.
Number Strings
A number string is a set of related math problems designed to foster student thinking and strategy building. A problem is presented, one at a time, and students mentally solve and share their strategies with the class. The teacher records and facilitates conversation about such. They can be used daily or weekly and be used whole class or even small-group. Click here to see some number strings and even post your own.
Math Anxiety DOES NOT MEAN Bad at Math
Why do people get so anxious about math? - Orly Rubinsten
Thank you for reading! :)
Have any questions, comments, or brilliant ideas to share with your fellow 5th grade teachers – please email me or your building Math Specialist. “Alone we are strong...together we are stronger.”
Ashley Connors
Elementary Mathematics Specialist
Navesink Elementary School
Math Empowers - Fifth Grade Representative