Adding and Subtracting Fractions Activity, Day 2

This is the second day of group work. (See Adding and Subtracting Fractions, Activity, Day 1) Students will begin immediately, in order to give them enough time to complete the worksheet. 

Before students complete the remaining sections, we will review the answers to Section A.  This is important because these answers are used in the other sections.  I will randomly select students from each group to share their reasoning and answers. Students will evaluate one another's strategies. What do others think about this group’s strategy? Does it seem reasonable? Did anyone have a different answer or use a different strategy?

After reviewing the answers for part A, students will continue with the worksheet.  I will remind groups that it is important that each student voices their thoughts and strategies.

I will randomly select groups to present their strategies.  I will allow students to comment and evaluate these strategies.  What equation represented your solution? How does this solution compare to another group's solution? Are the two equations equivalent? How do you know?  How did you decide if adding or subtraction was necessary? What strategies help you add or subtract fractions?

As students share their strategies and answers, it is important to observe:

• which concepts students have trouble with
• what strategies students are using
• where did students disagree

* Note: Depending on the progress of students' work, you may need a third day to review the answers.*

I will hand out index cards to each student.  They will answer the following questions.

• What was a common strategy that students used? Explain.
• What part of the activity did you have the most difficulty with?
• Is there any part of the activity that you still don't understand?

The answers to these questions serve as an assessment of student understanding and will guide my next lesson.