Problem Solving Strategies

In the many years that I have taken or taught math classes, the most complicated and often complained about problems, are the word problems. So it's time to pose the question...what can I do to make these problems simpler for my students? There are many strategies out there and we could probably make up some of our own, but I'm going to go with one that I have seen to be effective in classrooms that I have been in and has proven to simplify the wording and complication of these frustrating riddles. The method I'd like to suggest is the CUBE method or in some cases the CUBES method. CUBE is an anagram to help break the word problem down into simpler, more recognizeable, "math-related" terms.

In my research, it appears this method originates from The Teacher Garden where she has used this, along with other methods to simplify problem-solving techniques.

CUBE is broken down into four parts:
C-Circle the numbers
U-Underline the important words in the problem
B-Box the question
E-Eliminate unnecessary information

Okay, to demonstrate this method, let me give an example word problem so I can simplify it through the CUBE method.

While Jamal was at basketball practice his coach asked him to take attendance. He looked around and noticed there were 20 pairs of shoes. Jamal thought that didn't add up because he knew there were 12 players on his team. When Jamal counted everyone he realized there were only 11 people there, including his coach. How many teammates were not at practice that day?

C-If I could draw a circle around the numbers (however blogger doesn't allow this) I highlighted it.
U-I underlined information that might be important
B-Instead of drawing a box around the equation (because Blogger doesn't allow this) I highlighted it.
E-I would eliminate the first sentence, and basically anything that isn't circled, underlined or boxed.
S (if you choose to include it)- Solve and check to make sure the answer is correct.

 

Now, in order for this method to truly work, reinforcement is necessary! You can't just display a picture like this on the wall of your room and think the students will just pick up on it. I have found it most effective to work through mulitple word problems on a daily basis and to revisit similar problems at least weekly. Take the time to coach your students on how to use this method and then push them to try it on their own. Before long, your students will be using this method in their daily work, without prompting.