Creating Meaning In

Mathematics
By Allison Sciarretta
 Introduction
Context of Classroom
PBL and technology based classroom
4th and 5th grade combination class with 34 students
Students taught separately for math
Open seating, non-traditional classroom design
Focus of Research
How can I make math more meaningful to students lives, and increase their confidence
in solving math word problems?
What strategies can I implement to make students more successful with word
problems?
Rationale for Research
My students could easily solve equations, but struggled with math problems and real life
tasks involving math
 Research Questions

How can I make math more meaningful to students lives, and increase their
confidence in solving math word problems?
How can I enhance students abilities to solve math word problems?
What strategies can I implement to make students more successful with word
problems?
How can I lower the stress and anxiety of students when faced with word problems?
 Guiding Framework

Scaffolding- Vygotsky
Schemas- Piaget
Growth Mindset - Dweck
Performance Goal Orientation- Dweck
 Action and Assessment Plan
Action Plan:
Daily group word problems
Curriculum is taught through word problems
Think Marks- step by step guide to use when reading word problems
Think Marks worksheets- students use worksheets to organize their thoughts
Action Assessment
Observations- in class observations of students behavior and conversations
Student Work- students tests, quizzes, and class work are observed and collected
Surveys- online surveys incorporating open and closed ended questions on their views
on word problems
Interviews- informal student interviews are done during class time to assess their views
 Phase 1
Implementation:
Daily word problem- performed as whole class, being guided through the the problem and
involving discussions
All math curriculum is now being taught through word problems.
Students use their Think Marks worksheets to guide themselves through problems
Initial Findings
Students appear to be more confident in their abilities
Engage more in discussions with their peers about math problems
Gaining better understanding
Next Steps
Performance Task
 Reflections
Very challenging task
Much more to it than just math ability- also reading abilities and growth
mindset
Data collection is more challenging than I anticipated
Difficult to measure if their confidence is higher