Poster Math

Every other Friday the students participate in Poster Math. They are given a problem that requires a higher level of problem solving than our every day instruction. It is my job as the teacher to monitor the conversations and let the students guide the process. It is very difficult for me because I do not provide  much support or answer their questions. I am the facilitator and they are teaching one another. If the students have a question for me about the problem I answer with a question in return to guide their thinking, or I may say, "Ask your group members to see what they think." Inside I am dying to help!!! However, the most important component of this process is the students are working to solve their own problems. 

This was the problem this week: 

First, the students are given about 5 minutes to do what they can independently. They then come up with ways they will be able to help their group. The students who are willing to share how they can help do so at this time. 

Next, the students are assigned their groups. Once the students meet with their group they share the answer they got, how they solved the problem, or questions they may have for their group members. They must all have the same answer before they are given their poster. Not only that, but they must all be able to explain how they arrived at their answer proving that they fully understand the problem as well as the process. This requires a lot of teamwork. A lot of times all of the students will have different answers. They often have to rework the problem from the very beginning as a group. The best part is they usually solve their own problems which is amazing to witness. 

Once they all have arrived to the same answer and each student can explain the answer, they are given a poster to model their work. Each student in the group receives a different colored marker so it is easy to distinguish each student's level of participation. 

Then, the students prepare for their poster walk. Each group elects one member to stay with the poster and represent their group to their classmates. The other students walk around the room, study the other posters, and discuss with the representatives the answer their group got and how they  arrived at their answer. After the poster walk the students then have 2-3 minutes to make any last minute changes to their poster. On the back of the poster they answer two questions. 1. How did your group solve the problem? 2. How do you know your answer is correct? 

Last, all of the groups come to the floor and share their poster with the class. They share their answer, how they solved the problem, and how they know their answer is correct. Afterwards, the students can ask each other questions about their work and compliment each other's work. As the teacher, I do not reveal the answer until the conversations have come to a close. 

At the very end, I reveal the answer and point out strengths I witnessed among the groups and the processes they chose to solve the problem. The students then cut their portion of the poster and take it home. This can be a frustrating process for the students because it does require a much higher level of thinking. It is a wonderful process that promotes and strengthens their problem solving skills. Overall, the students do remarkably well. The problems get more difficult over time, but the students find it much easier to do once they understand the process and gain stronger problem solving skills. We will have Poster Math every other Friday for the entire year. I encourage you to ask your child to explain it to you! :)