Overcoming Word Problem Anxiety
Here is some advice on handling word problems. First of all RELAX! You can do this.
1. Read through the problem carefully. By doing this you see what you are being asked to do. You can answer the question: what am I being asked to do?
2. Learn what each word means- If you do not understand what a word means, use
a dictionary
3. Carefully work the problem- work the problem as you believe that the problem should be worked.
4. Check the answer- Check the answer by reviewing what operations were performed. Did you follow your teacher's instructions? Even if you were able to
solve the problem in a different way, did you learn the method the teacher presented? A variety of methods is important to have in your personal toolkit.
5. Break the problem down-To solve math word problems it can be easier to read the problem(s) a sentence at a time. This way you learn what each part of the problem means. This also helps you understand what the problem is asking for.
6. Draw the problem out- Use a graphic representation to work through the problem. Sometimes it helps to visually see what the problem is asking for. It also helps you to be able to slowly see how to solve the problem.
7. Split the problem into chunks- work on the problem a little at a time. If you are truly having a hard time in understanding a problem, work on a problem for ten minutes at a time, followed by a 5 minute break.
9. Partner up- By using a classmate to help solve a problem you may be able to better see a concept, and your partner may help you identify where the struggles are.
- Adapted from TutorFi.com
Here is some advice on handling word problems. First of all RELAX! You can do this.
1. Read through the problem carefully. By doing this you see what you are being asked to do. You can answer the question: what am I being asked to do?
2. Learn what each word means- If you do not understand what a word means, use
a dictionary
3. Carefully work the problem- work the problem as you believe that the problem should be worked.
4. Check the answer- Check the answer by reviewing what operations were performed. Did you follow your teacher's instructions? Even if you were able to
solve the problem in a different way, did you learn the method the teacher presented? A variety of methods is important to have in your personal toolkit.
5. Break the problem down-To solve math word problems it can be easier to read the problem(s) a sentence at a time. This way you learn what each part of the problem means. This also helps you understand what the problem is asking for.
6. Draw the problem out- Use a graphic representation to work through the problem. Sometimes it helps to visually see what the problem is asking for. It also helps you to be able to slowly see how to solve the problem.
7. Split the problem into chunks- work on the problem a little at a time. If you are truly having a hard time in understanding a problem, work on a problem for ten minutes at a time, followed by a 5 minute break.
9. Partner up- By using a classmate to help solve a problem you may be able to better see a concept, and your partner may help you identify where the struggles are.
- Adapted from TutorFi.com