Coach: Jennifer Sanks, Nicholson Technology Academy Adaptable for grade levels: 3-8 Key Subject Area(s): Math Also incorporates: Language Arts
Study Group Teaching Method Description:
Students needn’t fret over math word problems any longer! This Study Group helps teachers demonstrate to their students how word problems can be appropriately solved through the use of a variety of different strategies. Additionally, this Study Group highlights the importance of implementing problem solving in the daily classroom routine, so as to encourage students to begin using both logical and abstract thinking on a regular basis.
Many math students are scared at the thought of working through math word problems. This no longer has to be the case, however! With the “Four Corners Math” Study Group, teachers can begin introducing their students to more effective, positive ways of looking at and approaching word problems. By concentrating on the development of logical and abstract thinking, this teaching method helps students see that math word problems are accessible and can be solved in a variety of ways, including the use of models, pictures, and diagrams.
Illinois State Standards and Benchmarks:
State Goal 6: Demonstrate and apply a knowledge and sense of numbers, including numeration and operations, patterns, ratios and proportions.
State Goal 8: Use algebraic and analytical methods to identify and describe patterns and relationships in data, solve problems and predict results.
State Goal 10: Collect, organize and analyze data using statistical methods; predict results; and interpret uncertainty using concepts of probability.
About the Coach:
Jennifer Sanks teaches eighth grade math at Nicholson Technology Academy. She has a math endorsement and has taught grades 1, 3, 7, and 8 for a total of 11 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a master’s degree in Elementary Education, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Her many leadership experiences include serving as Dean of Students, Aim High Coordinator, grade level and math chairperson, and leading professional development in math instruction.
Meeting Times:
The Study Group meeting schedules are determined together at the Study Group Program Kick-Off Dinner on Thursday, June 4, 2009.
