SelfCorrecting Math Problem Sets

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Self-Correcting Math Problem Sets
Make It Yourself Series

• By
• Micki Fitzpatrick
• Educational Consulting and Software
• www.senari.com
• email senari_at_comcast.net

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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.htmlwsgen

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Getting Started

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

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Worksheet and Answer Sheet

• Be sure that the worksheet and answer sheet are
  the same size.

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Problem Strips

• Cut the 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.

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Individual Problems - 1

• Cut the 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 ba
ck
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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.
• Cut the 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 persons 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.