High School Problem Strings
This workshop focuses on the lesson structure of Problem Strings in high school math topics. Participants will engage in algebra, geometry, algebra II, and precalculus Problem Strings. A Problem String is a series of related problems purposefully sequenced to help students construct mathematical relationships so that powerful strategies become their natural instincts.
This is online PD that is in real time, interactive, and dynamic. We find that is the best way to support teachers experience real growth and make real change.
You will have real-time interactions with Pam and other teaching professionals without having to travel to a training site. Technology is a beautiful thing.
The learning just keeps going. You’ll learn during the 1.5 hours and you also have a brief assignment to try out in your classroom each week.
Help your students THINK to solve algebra problems. Problem Strings are the teachers’ tool for introducing and solidifying strategies.
Below is an example of a Problem String, taking students from what they know about multiplication of numbers to multiplication of binomials.
It starts in a place that everyone can access, and moves on in complexity of multiplying two-digit numbers. Our belief is that students can use the concepts and relationships they already have to learn new math.
Now you’re thinking, "My students couldn’t produce that final display on their own" – and you are probably right. Your job is to listen to students talk about how they thought about the relationships, then choose how to model the thinking students shared with the whole group. You facilitate a class conversation about the relationships and you offer the model as a way to represent that thinking. You have this conversation after each problem, so students can start to try new ways of thinking and/or modeling with the next problem.
By the end of the string, students have a beginning of using new relationships and/or model, and all this came out of what they already knew.
A Problem String is not the end of the learning. We don’t expect all students to master binomial multiplication after this one activity. You can use a Problem String to introduce, cinch, or compare new ideas. It is one of several instructional routines you can use to help students mathematize.
This workshop is appropriate for teachers grades 8-12.
Click to register for a four-week, live, online workshop. We also offer this periodically as a Train the Trainer in-person one-day workshop in Austin, TX.
Workshop participants will receive Algebra Problem Strings and Advanced Algebra Problem Strings. Check out more sample Problem Strings here or request a digital sample chapter of the Problem String books.
Need help convincing your administrator that this is worthwhile PD and money well spent? We have this printable syllabus to help with that.
This document tells how our courses are different from other online PD and specifically how you will benefit from taking this course. And in turn, how your students will benefit from you taking this course.