Self-Correcting Math Problem Sets

1. By Micki Fitzpatrick Educational Consulting and Software www.senari.com email: senari@comcast.net Make It Yourself Series: Self-Correcting Math Problem Sets

2. Supplies You Will Need • Worksheet and Answer Sheet • Stapler • Basket for individual problems • Zip-lock bags (snack or sandwich size) • Business size envelopes for problem strips • Optional: Old business cards, laminating pockets for business cards or plastic rolodex covers for business cards • Examples in this presentation come from: • Senari Worksheet Generator 2 - Multiplication and Division • Link: http://senari.com/prealgebra.html#wsgen

3. Getting Started • Pick a topic for your problems and find an appropriate worksheet. We picked this one from this menu of Worksheet Generator 2.

4. Worksheet and Answer Sheet • Be sure that the worksheet and answer sheet are the same size.

5. Problem Strips • Cutthe worksheet and answer sheet in strips as shown. • Staple the strips at one end, with the problem strip on top, so that the students can check their own work. • Use business size envelopes to store the strips. Mark the name of the concept on the envelope.

6. Individual Problems - 1 • Cutthe worksheet and answer sheet in strips as before. • Invert the answer strip, then turn it over and slide the strips so that the blank sides are together. • Staple each individual problem and cut them apart. • The student can work each problem on paper, then turn it over to check his/her answer. • Store extra problems in a zip-lock bag until you need them. (Label the bag with the title of the worksheet.) Single problem and answer front back

7. Individual Problems - 2 • For more durable problems (to be used in a classroom or with a number of children in a family), print the worksheet and answer sheet on full-sheet label paper. • Cutthe worksheet and answer sheet in strips as before, then cut each set of strips into separate problems. Do not staple. • Peeling off the backing, put the problem on the back of an old business card, and the answer on the front, over the person’s name and company information. • Laminate the cards, or place them in rolodex covers. • If you plan to use the rolodex covers, you can store the problem cards in an zip-lock bag. Put the covers on when you are ready to use them.

8. Self Correcting Worksheets • Print several copies of the worksheets and answer sheets for the same concept. • With the blank sides together, staple each worksheet to its answer sheet in the upper right hand corner. • When the student is through, s/he can simply lay the 2 sheet side by side for easy checking. • For some students, you may want to take the answer sheet until s/he has finished the work.

9. Timed Tests - Purposes • To provide practice with particular concepts. • To help the student see his speed and accuracy improve with a particular concept. • To enable parents, teachers and students to isolate particular difficulties. • In a timed test of multiplication facts, a student misses 6 x 9, 7 x 9, 9 x 6, and 9 x 7. • Which is the more productive assessment/comment? • You made 4 mistakes” or “You just missed 2 of the facts.”

10. Timed Tests - Procedures • For a timed test, a student should use a worksheet and answer sheet for a concept that he is studying. • Have the student put his name, the date, and his starting time at the top of the sheet. • When a student finishes, s/he should mark the time on the sheet, and then check his work. • S/he should compare the time and accuracy with previous tests of the same concept. • The goal should be an improvement in either time or accuracy for the current concept.