Topic:
Problem-Solving Strategies
Grade Level Category: 4-6
Strategy: The strategy will be writing in a journal to assess how students are using
different strategies to solve different problems. Student choice and
problem-solving skills will be observed.
Objective Being Assessed:
The objective being assessed is critical thinking and
student choice of strategies for problem-solving.
Materials Required: - "Birthday Party" worksheet
- Groups of 3-4
- Student Journals
Description of the Activity:
The teacher will group students and pass out
worksheets. The whole group will review
problem-solving strategies. Students will work
with their group to determine the strategy they
will use to solve the problems. When the group
is finished, each student will then write in their
own journals the reason they chose their strategy.
They also can analyze how effective their group
worked.
Reproducible Page:
See attached page
Scoring Rubric:
Students will be assessed with the following rubric:
- Full understanding of assignment and/or objectives. Assignment is complete
and correct.
- Attempts assignment, but does not follow through to completion or attempt
does not show understanding.
- No attempt to complete assignment.
Extensions:
This activity can also be used individually and scored as open-ended
questions using the same rubric.
Management Tips:
Students should know class rules for cooperative group
activities and the group roles assigned.
Reference of Sources:
This worksheet came from Silver, Burdett, and Ginn Math-
ematics series, grade 6.

Return to the ASPECT Homepage.