Topic: Word Problems in Algebra I

Grade Level Category: 7 - 12

Strategies: Classroom presentation rubric and journal

Objectives Being Assessed and/or Purposes for the Assessment:

1.) Development of communication skills
2.) Ability to explain mathematical work
3.) Understanding of the concepts in solving word problems

Materials Required:

1.) Variety of word problems
2.) Overhead transparency and pens
3.) Copy for each student of the assessment rubric

Description of the Activity:
When assigning word problems, specific students are assigned one special problem that they must present and explain to the class. Students should know in advance the correct answers. They should also have the opportunity to discuss their approach in their small group before presenting it to the rest of the class. Problems could be placed on the board or on a transparency. Students should be able to explain in words what their equation represents and how they determined their equation. Other students in the class will be asked for their suggestions, questions, or constructive comments after each presentation. These presentations would be assessed using a predetermined rubric. Each student would have an individual copy of this rubric before preparing their presentation.

This activity could be followed with the following journal entry:

Give your opinion of the way in which the word problems were covered. What did you like or dislike about the approach? Try to find at least one positive for every negative. Do you have any suggestions on ways to improve classwork in this section?

Reproducible Pages:
Rubric for Presentation of Word Problems

Management Tips:
If students contribute a positive constructive suggestion to someone else's presentation, points could be added to their assessment grades on their presentations. If students are talking during another student's presentation, points could be deducted from their own presentation score.

References of Sources:
For a different scoring rubric for presentation of word problems, refer to the following:
Schloemer, Cathy G. "An Assessment Example." Mathematics Teacher 87 (1994): 18.



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