Maxwell week-7

Erin Maxwell

10-18-12

This week, I assigned a particular workbook page for in class work to review the fact extension lesson from the previous day. I was particularly interested in student success in completing the portion of the worksheet shown in the photo below, as it using a math fact to work through a sequence of related equations.  This student receives special education support and often as challenges with concentration during whole group lessons.  Questions three and four on the worksheet below were answered incorrectly, however, after analyzing these solutions, I recognized a repeated problem solving strategy.  Instead of borrowing, this student subtracted from bottom to top, therefore he did not recognize the larger number being on the bottom to be problematic.  In question three, subtracted five from seven, then one from seven. Question four’s solution was gathered from a similar strategy, subtracting three from eight and one from eight. Although this strategy provided the target student with incorrect solutions, he managed to work correctly from the ones place onward showing a command of proper problem solving direction. Yet, this strategy may have developed from an intimidation or unfamiliarity with proper borrowing procedure.  An interview with this student to better understand their rationale would be very beneficial.  This could help clarify if the problematic strategy was developed out of carelessness or misunderstanding. 

15-7=62

13-8=75