Assignment: Decimal Choice #2
Due Tuesday, September 30
Today in class we focused on dividing decimals - both by whole numbers AND by decimals. The students were taught using traditional long division. There is now a link in the resource tab if you need a refresher on this method.
Overall, the students have moved past addition and subtraction equations. While mistakes are still made when borrowing or carrying, these should be practiced with equations you create or other future review assignment options. Tonight the options were varying degrees of multiplication and division problems (see below) including test-level options if they want to check their skill level. The test is still over a week away, so they still have time to re-assess and practice.
So, what can you do?
*Make sure they are selecting assignments at a practice level for them. They should be wary of moving too quickly, but also push themselves into new assignments as they improve. Playing it "safe" for a higher grade is not the way to learn new skills, so encourage them to take a leap when they can.
*Read the resources and review the steps and "rules" without correcting their work. For example, remind them to count the decimal places when multiplying or turn decimal divisors into whole numbers when dividing.
*Provide practice problems or examples that you correct, then let them try the homework problems when they feel confident. They will get that homework back and have the opportunity to find their errors and correct them for full credit. Making mistakes and learning from those mistakes leads to better retention in the end.
Their options today were:
F - Focus on more difficult problems, dividing by whole numbers AND by decimals
T - Test level for the division section of our decimal test.
W - Whoa! These multiplication problems have exponents and a few ops! (Extention option)
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