Self-Correcting Math Problem Sets By Micki Fitzpatrick Educational Consulting and Software Make It Yourself Series:

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:

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

Worksheet and Answer Sheet Be sure that the worksheet and answer sheet are the same size.

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.

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 back

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.

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.

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.

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.