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Uncovering Student Thinking About Mathematics in the Common Core, Grades 6-8
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Uncovering Student Thinking About Mathematics in the Common Core, Grades 6-8
25 Formative Assessment Probes



December 2013 | 232 pages | Corwin
Here’s the middle-grades math resource you’ve been waiting for! Bestselling authors Cheryl Tobey and Carolyn Arline are back with 20 entirely new assessment probes that pinpoint subconcepts within the new Common Core Standards for Mathematics to promote deep learning and expert math instruction. Learn to ask the right questions to uncover common student misconceptions. Get practical instructional ideas that build new and accurate skills--while learning is already underway. It’s all here in this detailed and grade-level specific guide.

  • Organized by strand, the probes will enable you to:
  • Quickly and objectively evaluate common misconceptions around fractions and decimals, linear equations, ratios and percents, statistics, and more
  • Systematically address conceptual misunderstandings and procedural mistakes--before they become long-term problems
  • Help students better understand areas of difficulty
  • Plan targeted instruction that builds on students’ current understandings while addressing areas of struggle
  • Master the essential CCSM mathematical processes and proficiencies for Grades 6-8.
You’ll find sample student responses, extensive Teacher Notes, and research-based tips and resources. Eliminate the guesswork and join thousands of busy middle-grades teachers who’ve used these easy-to-implement tools to foster solid math proficiency!
 
Preface: Mathematics Assessment Probes
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Chapter 1. Mathematics Assessment Probes
Questioning Student Understanding: Determine the Key Mathematical Concepts You Want Students to Learn

 
Uncovering Student Understanding: Use a Probe to Uncover Understandings and Areas of Difficulties

 
What Is the Structure of a Probe?

 
QUEST Cycle: Structure of the Supporting Teacher Notes

 
Beginning to Use the Probes

 
How to Navigate the Book

 
Final Chapter 1 Thoughts

 
 
Chapter 2. Number System Probes
Estimating Quotients

 
Division of Fractions

 
Number Lines

 
Rational Number Multiplication Estimates

 
Is It Positive?

 
Number Card Sort

 
 
Chapter 3. Ratio and Proportional Relationship Probes
Best Estimates: Finding Percents

 
Comparing Measures

 
Best Estimates: Solving Proportions

 
Proportional Reasoning Sort

 
 
Chapter 4. Expressions and Equations and Functions Probes
Value of the Inequality

 
Writing Equations

 
Is It Equivalent?

 
Linear Equations

 
Is It a Linear Function?

 
 
Chapter 5. Statistics and Probability Probes
Measures of Center and Spread

 
What's the Chance?

 
Scatterplots

 
 
Chapter 6. Geometry Probes
Perimeter and Area

 
Properties of Angles

 
Finding Volume

 
Scale

 
Right Triangles

 
Heights of Solids

 
Parallelograms

 
 
Chapter 7. Additional Considerations
Establishing Learning Targets

 
Individual Metacognition and Reflection (The 4Cs)

 
Giving Student Interviews

 
Addressing Individual Needs

 
Promoting Math Talk

 
Supporting the Mathematical Practices

 
Sharing Experiences and Promoting Professional Collaboration

 
Summary

 
 
Appendix A. Information on the Standards for Mathematical Practice
 
Appendix B. Developing Assessment Probes
 
Appendix C. Action Research Reflection Template: QUEST Cycle
 
References
 
Index

"The formative assessment probes are the best part of this book. I love that the probes are broken down by concepts and that they are described using the QUEST process – this allows the teachers to really reflect on their teaching and how the students are learning. This book will definitely help mathematics teachers now that the CCSS are becoming such a big part of our teaching."

Debra A. Scarpelli, Middle School Mathematics Teacher
PARCC/CCSS ELC Cadre, Rhode Island

Sample Materials & Chapters

Estimating Quotients

Value of Inequality


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781452230887
£33.99

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