Strategies for Teaching Fractions
Using Error Analysis for Intervention and Assessment
- David B. Spangler - ActiveMath
Any way you slice it, fractions are foundational
Many students struggle with fractions and must understand them before learning higher-level math. Veteran educator David B. Spangler provides research-based tools that are aligned with NCTM and Common Core State Standards. He describes powerful diagnostic methods for error analysis that pinpoint specific student misconceptions and supplies specific intervention strategies and activities for each error pattern. Also included are tools for analyzing student work and providing timely, specific, and meaningful interventions within an RTI framework. The targeted interventions for each error pattern promote teaching for conceptual understanding and are supported by documented academic research. Practical materials include:
- Reproducibles for diagnostic tests
- Practice pages for exercises keyed to the diagnostic tests and error patterns
- Pages for practicing alternative algorithms and estimation
- Teacher resources for hands-on activities, game sheets and pieces, and more
- Worksheets, answer keys, and online resources
Each main unit, along with the sections on academic research and "Big Ideas," concludes with a set of teacher reflection questions for use in a professional development setting. Get ready, get set, and help your students tackle fractions with confidence!
"This book is an exceptional reference resource that demonstrates the critical importance of error analysis. Students have complex thinking patterns, and error analysis provides a systematic method for exposing the meaning behind students’ mathematical errors. Spangler does an exceptional job of explaining error types and providing instructional strategies to target students’ errors and misconceptions."
“This text would be most useful as part of professional in-service to improve math scores. The information is research based and follows RTI, scaffolding, and differentiation of instruction. It promotes the use of academic language and provides opportunities for the students to transfer their learning. The activities promote active engagement and involvement."
"If we are truly to help students understand and make sense of working with fractions, then we must find out where their weaknesses are. This book is filled with specific examples to help all teachers to work with students who are struggling with fraction concepts. After reading this book, teachers will feel confident in their abilities to teach fractions so students WILL understand."
"This is the most complete resource I have ever used for the teaching of fractions. David Spangler does an excellent job of clearly explaining the research and utilizing it to produce activities, practice exercises, diagnostics tests, error pattern explanations and much more."
“This text provides a great depth of coverage, an in-depth discussion of the types of errors students may make, and great ideas for rectifying their misunderstanding. I think this could become the ONLY book I’d need on this subject.”
Sample Materials & Chapters
Chapter 1: A Look at the Academic Research: Intervention in the Mathematics Clas
