PROBLEM SOLVING AND TEST TAKING STRATEGIES
CARVER MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH DEPARTMENT

 The following strategies are taught and reinforced in math in grades 6-8:

1.  GENERAL TEST TAKING TIPS
   
   Check your work / Reread answers
   Timing –  Scan the test, work on easier problems first, don’t spend too much time on any one problem
   Be sure you have answered the question
   Don’t leave any question blank
   Multiple choice format – Eliminate possibilities;  practiced on homework and tests

2.      FOUR STEP PLAN FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

Students should solve word problems by following these steps:

Explore – What are you being asked?  What information do you need?
Plan – Select a strategy for solving the problem (See #3 below).
Solve – Solve the problem by carrying out the plan.  If the plan doesn’t work, try another.
Examine – Check your work carefully?  Does the answer fit the problem?

3.      PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES

Estimate
Make an organized list
Choose an operation(s)
Guess and check
Draw a picture
Work backward
Write an equation

4.      OPEN RESPONSE FORMAT

 Students practice responding to open response questions on homework and test.

Emphasis is placed on organizing their work sequentially and the use of math vocabulary in their written explanations.  The following key words are practiced:

Show your work

Explain your answer

Justify your answer

Tell why