Use Comic Strips Instead Of Word Problems.

 

We are always looking for ways to explain their thinking or understanding of word problems.  We talk about drawing pictures, restating the problem, and other ways to make sure they understand the problem but what if they take the information and translate it into comic strip or are presented with the word problem already turned into a comic strip?  If we eventually have students turn word problems into comic strip, it allows students who have an artistic bent to connect their art with math.

I think one reason students tend not to draw pictures showing the information in the word problem is that so many think they have to be good at art.  They don't understand that it only has to be a quick sketch but if you have them create a comic strip using some program, they are more likely to do it.  Furthermore, too many do not stop and really read the problem.  They see numbers and try to use them in some way to get an answer, even if the answer makes no sense.  They don't see the context in the problem nor do they look for key words, or even slowly read the problem.

Asking them to create a comic strip of the word problems means they have to slow down, read the problem, before figuring out how to show it visually.  Turning the word problem means creating a visual showing what is happening in the problem.  You can see if two people are talking, or there are three pets, or a person and their three friends.  The picture shows so much.

It has been found when students are presented with the word problem in the form of a comic strip, it reduces comprehension problems so even the low readers "see" what is happening. Furthermore, it chunks information making it easier to remember and understand.  In addition, students see comic strips as easier than regular word problems even though they contain the same information.

Another advantage to turning word problems into comic strips is for students who do not know what something is.  For instance, not everyone knows what a landscape is but if there is a nicely done yard in the comic strip, students have a visual reference point.  Furthermore, if these are teacher made, the teacher can make small changes to turn the situation into something students might relate to.  For me, it would be turning those road trip average questions into going to certain local villages.

A good way to introduce students to comic strips showing the word problem is for the teacher to do several so they can see them.  Once students are used to see word problems in this form, it is time to have them make some.  I'll talk about breaking down word problems and turning them into comic strips for both students and teachers on Monday.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.