Middle School // Problem-Based Tasks
Every time a new middle school math module begins, a “problem-based task” is surely on the board. There is so much time dedicated to practicing math concepts with only the numbers in front of our students, on flat paper, with real life connotations taken out.
PBTs (problem-based tasks) will typically start with words on paper, but the goal is to bring the math to life! Let’s walk through our most recent middle school PBT to help paint the picture:
Once students have read through our problem statement, they spend time creating a “K-W-I-L” chart in their notebooks and together on chart paper. This chart helps identify what we know about the problem, what we want to know by the end, ideas of how to get to a solution and finally, once all is said and done - what we have learned.
To the left, you see a picture of a 6th grader sharing his idea with the class of how he could divide a fraction by a whole number.
Then it’s time to take action, get our hands dirty and most importantly...MAKE MISTAKES! Students are given the opportunity to live out the mathematics problem that is presented to them. In this case, if ⅔ a cup of flour makes 1 cake, and a baker has 3 cups of flour, then how many cakes could they make?
Measuring cups, scoopers, bins, flour: any and all items they could need solve this problem in real life is presented to each group of students. “Try” is the only command. Students have identified what needs to be determined and already shared ideas, so effort is the name of the game. Try, fail, try again and reflect. (and boy did they, my room was a mess!)
As they collectively determine what they believe to be a solution to the PBT, they start filling in their “Learn” columns so that they have information to share with the class after the hands on portion has ended. The greatest thing happened with this particular PBT: There were 5 completely different answers at the end. We were able to share out strategies and reasonings the rest of class until we finally agreed upon one solution that fit what we were looking for and we could prove using the materials as a class.
Problem-based tasks are invaluable to connecting what the students are learning to the real world, making it more authentic and tangible for our learners. They are a true staple in the DAA way.