Problem with Word Problems
The problem with word problems is this--Who cares? Really. If you can't make the connection for the student to why the problem is a real problem, then how is it worth their time to learn it? I can make up some stuff that I think is pretty cool, but is it really a situation that models the real world? Thinking coins and systems of equations here...when was the last time you met a teen with a coin collection? And we aren't talking cool collectible coins. Nope. Just a bunch of nickles, dimes, and quarters. If you think for even a minute your students really care, then we have much work to do...
But what about good cross curricular instruction? Because the real problems are out there. Those real problems are the answer to the "Why do I have to learn this?" Sure, it may be a higher level problem than what the level your curriculum really teaches--so fill in the gaps. Tell the story that presents the problem, and explain the pieces that are beyond their current level of Math. Then let them calculate with the pieces filled in. Watch their sleepy eyes pop open when you present them with a real, REAL problem. They want to save the world...really they do.
There are some great resources for you out there. Dan Meyer does a great job of doing this--and he shares--sweet! Talk to the teachers in other disciplines--is science doing something Mathy? What time period is history on? What break through happened for your subject then? Why? Start seeing your world through the lens of what you teach. HOW is your subject relevant? And then take a second look through the eyes of your students. They may not care about some rich guy loosing money in the stock market, but if his loss means he closes business, and then they can't buy their favorite "whatever". Then they care. Everything is connected at some point.
Isn't that "just good teaching"? Helping students make the connections?
