Read Two Ways

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Approaching Word Problems Marcus can choose between a monthly salary of $1500 plus 5.5% of sales or $2400 plus 3% of sales. He expects sales between $5000 and $10,000 a month. Which salary option should he choose? Explain.

Read Two Ways It is a mathematics and language comprehension strategy designed to delay the rush to an answer, deepen student understanding of both the situation and the mathematics, and help students make sense of a problem before setting out to solve it. Too often, students disengage from the context of the math problem, and simply take the numbers and do something with them (add, subtract, multiply or divide). This strategy focuses attention on the context and the mathematical structures.

What is Read Two Ways? A close read of a complex word problem with a different goal each time First read is to understand the context Using no numbers or operations Second read is to understand the mathematics Quantities discussed but still no operations Designed to engage students in sense-making of language-rich math problems

Characteristics of Problems Suited for Read Two Ways The situation in the problem is imperative to the solution.   The problem cannot be solved by solely extracting the numbers. There are multiple pieces of information. There are multiple ways to start and solve the problem. The problem allows for collaboration and discussion. The problem has the potential to broaden learners’ skills or deepen their mathematical understanding.

Characteristics of Problems Not Suited for Read Two Ways The context of the problem is irrelevant to the solution. The International Space Station uses 262,400 solar cells to convert sunlight to electricity. Write 262,400 in standard form, word form, and expanded form.   The problem simply asks for identification. Sally bought 8 tickets to a concert. Each ticket costs $18. To find the total cost in dollars, she added the product 8x10 to the product 8x8, for a total of $144. Which property did Sally use?

Things to Remember Be intentional about the problem selected First read is about the context of the problem: “the story” Second read focuses on the quantities and the relationship to the context of the story Quantity has a sign, a number, and a unit Look for opportunities for students to discuss the context of the problem Ask nudging questions (avoid leading questions)

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