5 Tips to Make Math Tasks Successful

Feb 27

What is a math task? It is an in-depth problem we present to students centered around one (usually real world) scenario. A math task may have several questions or parts, but they are all related.

What are the benefits of a math task over a traditional worksheet? A task is more meaningful and therefore usually more engaging. It can require a deeper level of thinking as students make connections and problem solve.

I love using math tasks for practicing math content and for assessing student learning. If you are new to math tasks or feel like they have not gone very well, I’ve gathered my 5 tips to make them successful.

#1 Start by allowing students to make observations.

Ask them, '“What do you notice?” If the task has a visual, give them only the visual without questions. Have them record and discuss their observations. If the task has a scenario or story, do the same with only the scenario or story. You may even have them write their own questions to begin the thinking process. Making observations before jumping into problem solving will force students to slow down and think. They may notice important features of the task that otherwise would have been missed.

#2 Don’t tell students the topic.

This tip is especially helpful for multi-standard tasks, or if you choose to give a task after a little time has passed since learning the content. Let’s be honest… if you have been practicing the Pythagorean Theorem all week, and students get a task with triangles, they are going to assume they need to use the Pythagorean Theorem. However, if you studied the Pythagorean Theorem a month ago and students are given a map, they will need to really think to use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate a distance. Do not spoil that struggle by telling them what rule or procedure to follow.

#3 Choose a task everyone can start to tackle.

Do I mean choose an easy task? No way! I mean choose a task that has a starting point for everyone. Maybe not all students will solve the entire task perfectly (and if they do, it probably was too simple). However, include questions or hints that get everyone started. Handing out a task only to see 15 students raise their hands for help can get chaotic. If everyone can begin working on some part of the task, you are more likely to have time to circulate and scaffold just in time as needed.

#4 Prepare for early finishers.

Not every student will complete a task the same way or in the same amount of time. Allowing time for students to struggle, make mistakes, progress, and problem solve means that some students may finish before others. Be prepared with an extension. This can be as simple as asking students to create their own similar scenario or problem. Creating their own problem will require deeper thinking, which will progress their understanding even more.

#5 Share and compare student work.

Many tasks have multiple paths to a solution. Asking students to explain their thinking will reinforce the connections they made as they solved. Additionally, they will get to see how other students solved. In my experience, asking every student or group to present often becomes too time-consuming. However, everyone can benefit from hearing or seeing the work of a couple students and then making comparisons about the work. As students work, keep an eye out for good examples of different methods students use.