Reading: The Problem with Word Problems
The Importance of Literacy in Solving Word Problems Across Disciplines

Challenging students with word problems is a common technique for teaching and assessing critical thinking skills. By not only making the student figure out the answer, but also, in essence, what the question is, we force them to engage with the problem at a greater level. Although the label "word problem" is generally associated with the STEM disciplines, any question posed in a way that does not directly instruct the student how to answer the question can be considered as a "word problem." If so, then word problems are used across the disciplines.

Often overlooked when considering the challenge of word problems, however, is the part of the process that requires strong comprehension and critical reading skills. If a student can't effectively interpret the "text" of the problem, the student has no chance of successfully solving the problem. Join us as we discuss how word problems can be used to challenge our students and how we can help our students enhance the skills necessary to meet that challenge.

  • Led by: J. Todd, Andrea Edwards & Tiera Coston
  • Date: Thursday, February 20, 2014
  • Time: 12:15 - 1:05 PM
  • Location: Mellon Seminar Room, 5th Floor, Library
  • Sponsor: RTLT & CAT

To register: RSVP to ocrum@xula.edu for lunch.

Tags: RTLT, reading, word problems, QEP
Format: presentation
Event ID: 01261


See also: upcoming | past | subscribe | tags