how to ask questions in a math course

by Imogene Feeney Jr. 5 min read

The first form of questions that a teacher can utilize during math class is “what” questions. These are often best used to start off a problem and can simply sound like “What should I do to solve this problem?” or “What are you thinking when you see this problem?”

8 Ways to Pose Better Questions in Math Class
  1. Don't let “information gathering” questions dominate your lesson. ...
  2. Ask probing questions that require students to explain, elaborate or clarify their thinking. ...
  3. Give students adequate time to respond. ...
  4. Ask students to make the mathematics visible.
Mar 8, 2016

Full Answer

What are some good math questions?

  • There might be more than one acceptable answer.
  • Students are asked to apply what they know to a new and challenging situation.
  • Students might be asked to bring together and synthesize a range of math concepts and skills in solving one problem.
  • The question might trigger a student-driven investigation or exploration.

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What is the hardest math question?

This was a question from the 2006 Australian Mathematics Competition senior division (for students around 17 years old) and only 1% got it right. Simultaneou...

How do you solve math questions?

Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Solving the Problem Download Article

  1. Look for keywords and key phrases. Highlighting these in the problem will help you translate the written words into math.
  2. Assign variables to unknown information. Word problems that ask for a specific quantity will usually only have one unknown, but if the word problem is asking for an equation, ...
  3. Write an equation. ...
  4. Use algebra to solve. ...

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Do you know the answer to a math question?

Answer (1 of 9): If its your maths homework, then the solution probably relies on something you did in class earlier - try to relate that to the problem. If you know what you need to apply but can’t solve the problem, try to get a hand hold on it so you can ask pertinent questions. Look for a si...

How do you politely ask a question in class?

1:226:11How to ask Questions politely in English - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell or it is always better to put your question forward in the form of a request. If you for sureMoreWell or it is always better to put your question forward in the form of a request. If you for sure want an answer to it well then articulating it using could would make it sound way more polite.

What are some good math questions to ask?

Help students learn to reason mathematicallyHow did you begin to think about this problem?What is another way you could solve this problem?How could you prove that?Can you explain how your answer is different from or the same as [student]'s?Let's see if we can break it down.More items...•

How do you ask math questions and answers?

Ask an ExpertAsk Dr. Math - This is probably the best resource out there for anyone wanting an answer to a math question. ... Ask MathNerds.com - A large group of math experts have banded together to provide this excellent service. ... Gomath.com - This site has tutors available to answer your math questions for free.

How do you ask open-ended questions in math?

Usually, in order to create open-ended questions or problems, the teacher has to work backwards:Indentify a mathematical topic or concept.Think of a closed question and write down the answer.Make up a new question that includes (or addresses) the answer.

What is the most common math question?

5 Most Frequently Asked Maths QuestionsFinding x and y intercepts of an equation. It's easy to identify the x and y intercepts on a graph, but students frequently struggle to find them using only the equation. ... Finding the equation of a parabola. ... Solving quadratic inequalities. ... Checking your solutions.

What is the hardest question in math?

These Are the 10 Toughest Math Problems Ever Solved The Collatz Conjecture. Dave Linkletter. ... Goldbach's Conjecture Creative Commons. ... The Twin Prime Conjecture. ... The Riemann Hypothesis. ... The Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture. ... The Kissing Number Problem. ... The Unknotting Problem. ... The Large Cardinal Project.More items...•

How do you check math answers?

1:4314:09How to Check Your Answers in Maths - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese two here if these go up you guessed it these always make a number go smaller okay wellMoreThese two here if these go up you guessed it these always make a number go smaller okay well backwards on our number line. So if you're doing a take away or divide. And your answer gets smaller.

How do I ask math questions on Google?

For this, all you have to do is type the math problem (the full problem) in the Search button. Or, you can use Google Lens and hover it over the math problem in your book or copy. Once Google captures the problem, you will be shown a series of steps that you can follow to solve the problem.

How do you solve math problems?

Here are four steps to help solve any math problems easily:Read carefully, understand, and identify the type of problem. ... Draw and review your problem. ... Develop the plan to solve it. ... Solve the problem.

What is a open question in maths?

In science and mathematics, an open problem or an open question is a known problem which can be accurately stated, and which is assumed to have an objective and verifiable solution, but which has not yet been solved (i.e., no solution for it is known).

What is a thinking question in math?

Instructor: Lindsey Pierron. Higher order thinking questions are those that apply understood principles in one area to questions where the answer is not always explicitly presented. See how these questions appear through different grade levels, and how they are applied to math material as well. Updated: 11/12/2021.

Why is questioning important in mathematics?

In our experience, asking the right questions in primary maths classrooms helps us understand what our pupils know, don't know, and need to know. Questioning has allowed us to identify learners who are struggling with particular concepts, and those with more advanced learning skills.

Cold Call

The questioning strategies below are intended to be used as cold call questions during guided practice in class. While these same types of questions can be answered by volunteers, the goal of the questions is to increase engagement and maintain the pace of class. I have found cold calling to be the most effective strategy in this situation.

What?

The first form of questions that a teacher can utilize during math class is “what” questions.

Why is it important to ask higher level math questions?

Asking and answering higher-level questions in math sets the groundwork for students to be reflective and metacognitive. The hope is that students will also use these important life-long skills outside the math classroom. Higher-level math questions require students to think more deeply about their work.

How can teachers create higher level math questions?

Teachers can create higher-level math questions by focusing on asking open questions - those that have more than one answer and path for a solution, that are challenging and engaging and are debatable. In addition, teachers should often foster rich conversations about problems and solutions.

How to teach students to share their reasoning?

Students should be taught how to share their reasoning about their answers. Creating opportunities for higher-level conversations often gives students tools to learn not only how to think in a deeper way but also how to talk about their thinking. Asking and answering higher-level questions in math sets the groundwork for students ...

Why should teachers have rich conversations about problems and solutions?

In addition, teachers should often foster rich conversations about problems and solutions. These math talks help students take their thinking and learning to another level, allowing students to defend their thinking and listen to others' thoughts and processes as well.

What is higher level math?

Higher-level math questions require students to think more deeply about their work. Compared to low-level questions, which focus on recall and memorization, higher-level questions generally ask students to analyze, create, and evaluate. Teachers can create higher-level math questions by focusing on asking open questions - those ...

When memorizing math facts, do students need to use much processing information?

When memorizing math facts, students don't need to use much processing information. High-level questions require students to take what they know and apply it in different ways, such as analyzing, creating, and evaluating.

What is planning for high level thinking?

Planning for high-level thinking means developing lessons that push students to use taught information in new ways. Students must apply learned knowledge, which means you can tell whether or not they truly grasp a concept. Three high-level skills are top of the heap:

What are math questions worth asking?

Math questions worth asking are likely to have one or more of these qualities or intents: There might be more than one acceptable answer . Students are asked to apply what they know to a new and challenging situation. Students might be asked to bring together and synthesize a range of math concepts and skills in solving one problem.

Why are math questions good?

Good questions promote dialogue. Math questions worth asking lend themselves well to exploration in student pairs, or in small groups arranged according to ability, or in mixed-ability groupings. After each group has had a chance to agree on one or more good answers, they can share their reasoning with the whole class.

What can students with stronger skills or a deeper understanding do?

Students with stronger skills or a deeper understanding can probe the question in depth or uncover all the possible answers, while other students might respond on a more basic level. The teacher also can prepare one or more follow-up questions to extend the challenge.

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