Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam

What is the most critical drawback when students write a number sentence before solving a math word problem?

1. They may not work cooperatively

2. They may not show their problem-solving strategy on paper

3. They may not connect the problem to their work

4. They may not know the correct words to explain their thinking

The correct answer is: They may not show their problem-solving strategy on paper

The most critical drawback when students write a number sentence before solving a math word problem is that they may not show their problem-solving strategy on paper. When students jump directly to writing a number sentence, they often bypass the crucial process of understanding the problem, identifying relevant information, and determining the necessary steps to arrive at a solution. This step can diminish their ability to articulate their reasoning, which is essential for demonstrating comprehension and mastery of the concepts involved. By not writing down their reasoning, students may struggle to revisit their thought processes when they encounter difficulties or errors. They lose the opportunity to reflect on their approach, track their thinking, and learn from any mistakes made during problem-solving. This lack of written reflection can impair their learning and understanding of mathematical concepts, making it challenging to build upon their existing knowledge. In contrast, the other options do have their implications, but they do not capture the fundamental concern of missing out on valuable cognitive processes. Not working cooperatively, lacking critical vocabulary, or failing to connect the problem to their mathematical work are significant but secondary to the central issue of not documenting their thought process through a problem-solving strategy.