Topic: Open-Ended Questions

Grade Level: 4-6

Strategy: Journal with Open-Ended Questions

Objective(s) and/or Purpose(s) for the Assessment:
Use written expression to solve and explain math processes/procedures.
Help prepare students for math proficiency tests.

Materials Required:

One folder per student.
Pre-determined list of open-ended questions.
Teacher-prepared booklets containing one open-ended question per page.

Description of the Activity:
Folders with booklets inside are passed out to each student. The teacher explains that the students are to read and answer one question. (All students work on the first unanswered question in the booklet.) Students are given clarification of the question, if needed. No other help is given. After an adequate time period, folders are collected. The question is then discussed, allowing students to share possible answers.

Reproducible Pages:
Attached
Attached 2

Scoring Rubric:

0 - no attempt
1 - attempted but not complete/accurate
2 - complete, accurate answer

Management Tips:
Use the open-ended/journal questions two to three times a week - not every day.
Assign questions, at the beginning of math class when students are fresher and less tired.

References of Sources:
TOPS Communication Deck, Grades 5-6, Dale Seymour Publications, 1993.



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