The learning outcomes listed here are part of a lesson plan I developed for teaching fractions. The lesson meets the criteria for 3rd grade math as specified by the Utah Department of Education, which can be found here: Core Curriculum Standards
The lesson utilizes a matrix made of coins, buttons, beans, etc. and lengths of yarn to create fractional relationships within the matrix.
In order for the lesson to be successful the student must first display proper multiplication skills in order to determine the correct number of items to create the matrix.
Learning Outcome 1: The student will construct a matrix of a particular width and height after selecting the appropriate number of items.
The lesson calls for the instructor to have the students select from matrices that are divisible by both 2 and 3. Then they can use the lengths of yarn to divide the matrix into the different fractions addressed in the lesson.
Any effective lesson plan incorporates multiple activities for students to demonstrate their learning, and this one is no different. After the yarn activity is complete the students must use the chalkboard and communicate the related equations from their matrix to their fellow students.
Learning Outcome 3: The student will complete the following 4 equations on the blackboard, explaining them to their fellow students (M = matrix size):
M x 1/2 =
M x 1/3 =
1/3M + 2/3M = M
1/4M + 3/4M = M
Reference
Kubiszyn, T. & Borich, G.. (2010). Educational testing & measurement: Classroom application and practice (9th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc: Hoboken, NJ.
Once learning outcomes have been established, it is necessary to create assessments in order to test for learning and comprehension. As with lesson planning, assessments should be varied in an effort to allow students to display as much knowledge as possible. Here are suggested assessments for each of the learning outcomes:
ReplyDeleteFor Learning Outcome 1, have the students rotate through other students' stations and write down the equations for each of the matrices. Allow the students to self-grade a part of the assessment by comparing notes with their neighbors on either side.
For Learning Outcome 2, have the students shift one station in the opposite direction from the rotation for the previous outcome. Ask the students to write out the equations for halves and thirds within the matrix. Have the students continue rotating through stations as time allows.
Learning Outcome 3 is appropriate for a simple written test. A combination of true/false, fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice questions can be employed.
Any lesson should lend itself to essay questions, and this one certainly qualifies. Students should be instructed to write an essay about a shopping experience, either real or fictional. The essay should include a required number of fractional equations that must be employed, with the fractions either being applied to product pricing or purchases being shared with family and/or friends.