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Teaching Ratio & Proportion Problem Solving Using Schema-Based Approach. Nikki Stephenson & Katey Long. Population. The Schema-Based Strategy for helping solve math word problems is useful for Middle School Students.
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Teaching Ratio & Proportion Problem Solving Using Schema-Based Approach Nikki Stephenson & Katey Long
Population • The Schema-Based Strategy for helping solve math word problems is useful for Middle School Students.
Word problems can present difficulties for students with or without disabilities. A schema is a structure that organizes knowledge and can help a student categorize different types of problems to determine the best way to solve the problem. First it is helpful to identify the problem type Change, Group, or Compare. Then by using FOPS, you can solve the problem. It is very helpful for students with disabilities to figure out the problem type, organize the information into a diagram, plan to solve the problem and then finally solve the problem. This strategy could lead to significant gains in problem solving skills. Summary
Steps for Solving (FOPS) • Step 1: Find the problem type • Step 2: Organize the information • Step 3: Plan to solve the problem • Step 4: Solve the problem
Word Problem • Example: • The ratio of the number of girls to the total number of children in Mrs. Widenhour’s class is 2:5. The number of girls in the class is 12. How many children are in the class?
1. Find the Problem Type • Read and retell problem to understand it. • Ask yourself if this is a ratio/compare problem. • Ask yourself if the problem is similar or different from others that you have seen before.
2. Organize the Information • Underline the ratio or comparison sentence and write the ratio value in diagram. The ratio of the number of girls to the total number of children in Mrs. Widenhour’s class is 2:5. The number of girls in the class is 12. How many children are in the class? • Write compared and base quantities in diagram. • Write an x for what must be solved (what are you trying to find).
12 girls 2 5 x Children 2. Organize the Information
3. Plan to Solve the Problem • Translate the information in the diagram into a math equation. • Plan how to solve the equation.
4. Solve the Problem • Solve the math equation and write the complete answer. • Check yourself to see if the answer makes sense.
Problem Solving Strategies • Cross multiplication • 12*5=60. 2*x=2x. 60=2x. x=30.
Problem Solving Strategies • Equivalent fractions strategy • 2 times what is 12? Since the answer is 6 (2 * 6 = 12), we multiply 5 by this same number to get x. So 6 * 5 = 30.
Potential Difficulties • Having difficulties recognizing key words in the word problem such as: less than, product, and, etc. • Student may focus more on the diagram and less on what the problem is actually asking. • Student may identify the wrong problem type, causing the answer or diagram to be incorrect. • Student may think they do not need to draw a diagram to get the correct answer.