Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Dr. Hodges
Summer 2015
Identification of Learning Problem
By 5th grade, students should be fluent (fast and accurate) with their multiplication facts
up to 12x12. Using fluency tests of 30 mixed multiplication facts has shown that only 40 percent
of 5th grade students can complete them in the one-minute time frame. Tests that track the
fluency of division facts up to 144/12 are slightly lower with only a 30 percent success rate.
These deficiencies in quick and accurate recall of basic math facts hinder the students from
successfully completing multi-step math problems. The majority of 5th grade students have
shown they can set up multi-step math problems correctly, however, their failure to quickly and
Standards for School Mathematics is supportive of the use of technology in the classroom, and
believes that students at every grade level should be exposed to the use of technology (including
calculators) believing that it will lead to a greater depth of problem-solving ability. Students that
are less anxious about simple calculation mistakes can more readily focus their attention to
reasoning skills as well as problem-solving. Students' structured use of calculators has been
shown to increase the degree in which they can solve complex real-world problems, see number
A sample of twenty-four 5th grade math students, ages 10 to 12 years old, was used to
determine if students were able to use calculators effectively to solve multi-step problems. The
students were randomly put into two groups of twelve. One group was given simple arithmetic
calculators that have the four basic arithmetic operations and a numeric keyboard. The second
group was only allowed to use pencil and paper. The group with calculators scored lower than
the students without. However, the students without calculators still scored lower than
anticipated due to lack of simple arithmetic skills. Although the majority of students with
calculators showed they understood how to set-up the problems accurately, less than 30 percent
For the calculator to be an effective tool, the 5th grade students will need instruction on
how to properly use them. The goal is for students to demonstrate the proper keying of a
Learner Analysis
The target learners are between the ages of 10-12 years old and have been promoted to
5th grade. The student groups are heterogeneous, each containing approximately 58% male and
42% female. Up to 70% of these students come from socio-economically disadvantaged homes.
Out of the 50 students, 7 are identified SPED, 6 are identified gifted and talented, and 5 are in
RTI tiers. The 12 students identified SPED and RTI read on at least a third-grade level. The rest
of the students read on a fourth-grade level or higher. Behavior issues have not been established
for these groups of students. Standardized test scores are not available for this past year.
However, 95% of the students met or exceeded the CRCT in math after completion of the 3rd
grade. The residual 5% were able to meet the standards on a subsequent test following
remediation. There were no instances of students being retained in 3rd or 4th grade.
Under a grant from Purdue University, North Harlem Elementary School will implement
Total School Cluster Grouping (TSCG) in the upcoming year. TSCG guidelines dictate there
will be two distinct groups of students. One group will include all identified as gifted and
talented, some high-achieving students, and all SPED students. The other group will consist of
high achieving students, average achieving students, and low achieving students. The SPED
students, as well as the low achieving students, will have the benefit of a resource co-teacher
Most students are proficient in setting up basic multi-step math problems. There are
several students who can also set up more advanced problems with minimal assistance. Students
have shown increased motivation when allowed to use technology in the classroom. Students
have vocalized that computers have been helpful in areas of research for science and social
studies. Students are also familiar with using computers for online lessons using sites such as
IXL, MobyMax, and Khan Academy. Although students have experience with a computer
keyboard, they do not have sufficient knowledge on how to properly key a calculator. A
common error made by novice learners is not knowing the proper order to key numeric
Task Analysis
Although there are several topics within the framework of using a calculator such as
arithmetic operations and order of operations, the facts and concepts are already understood by
the students. Students have an understanding of the various signs that are associated with each
operation. Students also understand the relationship that exist between addition and
multiplication. Multiplication can be considered repeated addition and both operations increase
numerical value. They also understand the relationship between division and subtraction.
Division can also be considered repeated subtraction and both operations decrease numerical
value. The concept of inverse operations is understood and already used for checking for
correctness of answers. Students have already showed competency in rounding and using this
for estimation. Since the students understand the main topics associated with math, a procedural
analysis is best served for identifying the steps that will be required to properly key a calculator.
There are two subject matter experts (SMEs) for this project. Lee McFatridge, the
instructional designer will also take the role as one of the SMEs. The designer has a degree in
early childhood education and has instructed students in both 4th and 5th grade math. This year
Mr. McFatridge will be looping up with his 4th grade students to instruct them in 5th grade math
and science. Although familiar with the content, Mr. McFatridge has only 5 years teaching
experience and wants to make sure he does not fail to identify important steps or cues, therefore
a second SME was asked to participate. James Smith is an early childhood educator with 12
years teaching experience in 5th grade math. Mr. Smith has his masters degree in curriculum
and
i) Estimation is not precise, but it can help determine if the answer is reasonable.
ii) An estimation should be done after rounding numbers to most appropriate place
value.
(a) Rounding to the nearest ten may give a closer estimate but may not be as
simple to solve.
(a) If rounded to nearest thousand estimation value could be off by a very large
amount.
(a) 23 is rounded to 20
(b) 123 is rounded to 120 or 100 (120 will give a closer estimation to the correct
answer.)
(5) The student may want to write down their estimation for easier recall.
2) The student understands the concept of addition.
a) Addition is joining two or more quantities to get one number called the sum.
a) Involves taking one quantity away from another called the difference.
ii) The divisor is the number that will divide the dividend.
6) Read the problem and determine the operation that will be used to solve it.
a) The learner will need to determine if the problem is a single or multi-step problem.
i) It is important for the learner to use paper and pencil to record the step-by-step
7) The student should always use their index finger when keying the calculator.
a) Using other fingers or objects to key the calculator could lead to the wrong keys being hit
b) The ON key and CLEAR (C or CE) key will be a different color than all the other keys.
g) If the estimation has no error go back to 9a and repeat the steps for addition.
g) If the estimation has no error go back to 11a and repeat the steps for multiplication.
i) Any remainders will need to be listed as whole numbers until decimals are covered
more in depth.
(1) Multiply the whole number from the calculator with the divisor.
(2) Subtract that product from the dividend to come up with the remainder.
ii) The calculator answer and the estimation should be reasonably close.
g) If the estimation has no error go back to 12a and repeat the steps for division.
13) If all problems have been solved turn off the calculator by pressing the off key.
Instructional Objectives
1) The learner will explain how to turn on a basic calculator and the appropriate fingering of
the keys; label the different keys and explain their function on an assessment.
2) a. The learner will analyze problems involving (+, -, x and ) or mixture in a multistep
problem; b. properly use the calculator to solve problems and record answers; indicate in
writing the strategies used and support how they work. (Cognitive domain)
Assessments
In determining what type of assessments to include, that were aligned with the goals and
learning objectives for this course, it was determined that the majority of them should be open
ended. Some questions, although may appear to be simply answered from computation on a
calculator, are dual purpose since the student have to support and defend their answer. The open
ended questions are in themselves differentiated because the student will answer according to
their level of understanding. The students will be assessed on their level of understanding and
will then be moved forward or remediated. The open ended questions also give the student an
opportunity to reflect on the lessons. This reflection process will allow students to begin to
experience metacognition (thinking about their thinking) and will help them take ownership in
their own learning. The assessment links, answer keys, and rubric are included in Appendix A.
Objective 1
The learner will be able to label the calculator keys and describe what keying each one will
produce on the screen of a calculator, as well as describe the proper way to hold and key a
calculator. (Procedure/Application)
Initial Presentation. Using a streaming video, demonstrate how to hold the calculator, the
functions of the different keys, and proper finger position for keying. Emphasis will be on how
not using slow and proper fingering could lead to incorrect entry. Demonstrate order to enter
numbers is based on the operation being presented, important with subtraction and division.
Generative Strategy. After viewing the video, the learner is encouraged to develop a mental
image of calculator keyboard. They should visualize how they would pick up and hold the
calculator while keying in numbers and operations. The learner will be asked to make a
checklist for how to key the calculator with each of the 4 operations. Next, they will be asked to
write their own problem and describe the steps to solve it. Both the checklist and description of
Objective 2 (Part a)
Given a definition of each math operation (+, -, x and ) and best examples of keywords
associated with each operation, the learner will be able to select the correct operation from a
Initial Presentation. Present the name and definition of each operation followed by a problem
example of each. Emphasize the keywords that are associated with each operation.
Generative Strategy. The student will be asked to make a tree map titled Math Operations,
list the 4 operations and then locate appropriate keywords for each operation. The student will
Objective 2 (Part b)
Given a basic four function hand-held calculator and problems involving (+, -, x and ) or
mixture in a multistep problem, the learner will solve problems and support answers by
Initial Presentation. Restate the importance of knowing keywords related to math operations.
Restate the appropriate way to hold a calculator and emphasize the importance of slow
Generative Strategy. First, the learner visualizes how they were asked to hold and key the
calculator. Then, give the learner several multi-digit numbers for practice of controlled entry of
numbers. Next, the learner is given a variety of math problems using various operations to solve.
They are to use documentation to describe the steps they used and support the answers they came
up with. Finally, they are encouraged to develop their own problems and provide an answer key.
Differentiating Instruction
There are several ways to plan for differentiating the instruction of using calculators. The
first plan is to provide a choice of complexity of math problems and skills so students can select
more challenging problems to match their level of understanding. It is inevitable there will be
some students who will struggle so there will be opportunities for remediation, via additional
videos or readings, that approach the idea or skill in a more basic way. Students will be
submitting work regularly so the instructor can monitor progression and slow down or excel the
pace as that students needs are individually identified. There are also several items that can be
added from online sources to help students better detect what they are entering and why. One
such item for struggling students is the Big Simple Talking Calculator
(http://www.softpedia.com/get/Science-CAD/Big-Simple-Talking-Calculator.shtml) so students
can actually hear what they are typing in giving them an auditory sense of what each key is
doing. There is also the use of a variety of online games which can be used
(http://www.transum.org/Software/SW/Starter_of_the_day/Similar.asp?ID_Topic=7). Students
who excel will be able to challenge themselves with some of the more complex games. Those
who are struggling may find that there are entertaining games that will help them overcome any
Pre-instructional Overview _
Strategy
Video showing
calculator usage
Learner practice
activities
Instruction Calculator keys 1 _ Video
(procedures) presentation
Functions of
keys Learner activities
Proper Formative
handling/keying assessment
procedures
Hands on practice
activities
(progress
monitoring
segmented by
operation)
Additional online
practice activities
(games)
When looking at the goal for this course it was stated earlier that it is for students to be
able to use a calculator properly. Although there are set state standards when it comes to the
math content, there are no standards for calculator usage so the goal is better determined. By
considering the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) perspective, there are a couple of things
that are considered for this course. In determining the goal, it is first considered which learning
network will be most advantageous. Although the networks work almost simultaneously
together, there are two that stand out for the goal set for this course. The pre-instructional
strategy, used to give the learners a brief overview of what it looks like to use a calculator to
solve problems, should encourage the affective network. This should engage the learners by
knowing they will be allowed to use other means to solve problems instead of just using pencil
and paper. Students have been shown to gravitate toward technology and using a calculator
should elicit this same attitude. One of the main components of the goal falls under the strategic
network though. Again, the goal for this course is mastery of properly keying a calculator;
however, with that knowledge they will then to be able to develop their own effective plans as
they continue to use the calculators during the math core blocks. The math core blocks will
teach math concepts, but this course is only designed for instruction on how and why to use a
calculator. On the what and when to use a calculator is where the student will have to consider
any effective problem-solving strategies they are able to draw upon. This type of consideration
In order to achieve the goals for each lesson, it has been determined that video
presentations will be best suited for the learners. Given the diversity in reading levels among the
learners only a small amount of written text will be given. The written text will be used to
provide a quick overview or to list the behavior objectives for sections. The main components of
instruction will be multimedia in the form of videos. The videos will describe and although
some text may appear, it will be narrated for the learner. This type of format will allow the
learner to control the pace of the content being delivered. They will have the opportunity to
In order to inform the students of the objectives for the each learning assignment in the
course, the student will be presented at the beginning of each section of the instruction with a
problem
addition problem
addition
The sequencing of the instruction takes into consideration two things. First, although it
has been determined that students understand keywords associated with math operations, a
review would help students retrieve that prior knowledge. By bringing up this prior knowledge,
the students should feel more connected to the lessons. Second, the instructional objectives are
better suited to be sequenced slightly different than they were initially written.
Objective 2a is more about review and activating prior knowledge and should be sequenced first.
After that, the learner will then begin to see the different aspects or the calculator keys and their
functions. It was determined that the actual use of the calculator should be saved until the last
step since the other steps will provide a comprehensive overview before actually handling the
calculator.
The entire course will be consistent with a computer-based instruction (CBI) model and
be asynchronous in design and delivered via a web interface. It has been determined due to
school filtering tools that the best platform for the instruction is through a well-designed wiki
where all instruction can be linked or embedded. It is also helpful that the students are
accustomed to using a wiki interface so it is simple and intuitive for them to use. The instruction
will include a video for each section of instruction as to not overwhelm the learner. The videos
will be segmented according to objective, but also segmented within two of the objectives.
Objectives 1 and 2b will be segmented into the four operations (+, -, x and ) in order to show
precisely what is included within each operation. However, both those objectives will then have
a cumulative video with practice activities to encourage the student to use strategies learned.
During the video instruction, the student will be asked to pause at certain points to give thought
to a specific question. In those cases, the student will then restart the video in order to receive a
formative or summative assessments, including but not limited to Appendix A, the students may
be subject to delayed feedback since some of the assessments will be reviewed by the instructor.
There are some formative activities and games that will however, provide immediate response.
In those cases the learner will be asked to document, in an online form, their activity and score
received. After review of any assessment, if a student has passed with 90% or higher accuracy,
they will be able to continue. If a student is having trouble with a certain concept they will be
asked to remediate that section using other avenues provided by the instructor. Those avenues,
although assigned by instructor, will also be self-paced CBI allowing both remediation and
There will be two SMEs who will serve as expert reviewers during the formative
evaluation stage. The first is James Smith who has already served as an SME during the task
analysis. Since he has the knowledge of 5th grade standards and concepts, he will be key in
determining the instructional effectiveness of the course. A second SME, Angela Bosch, has
been chosen based on her expertise in creating videos for instruction. Mrs. Bosch has been
teaching 3rd grade for 7 years. She has a masters degree in special education and also received
her gifted endorsement. Mrs. Bosch has used video instruction for several years now in working
with flipped classrooms as well as providing distance education for students on long-term
medical leave. Although both SMEs will review all aspects of the course, Mrs. Bosch has better
Student review and evaluation data is also very important. A test group of students will
be assembled in order to get formative survey data concerning how they considered the course.
Since they are the intended audience, this feedback will be extremely beneficial in determining
the success or failures of the designed material. The feedback from the students will not only
provide how much or little the appeal was but also if the instructional program is achieving its
objectives. The students will provide a window that can lead to a better view on how to improve
the instruction and if there are any outcomes that may fall short of the learning goals.
Does the instruction identify appropriate skill levels and prior knowledge?
Are the materials appropriate for the kind of learning outcomes desired?
Are the course materials too easy to use, too difficult or adequate?
Describe any parts of the instructional material that might be too difficult.
Describe any parts of the instructional material that might be too easy.
Do you believe there are any vocabulary terms that might have been presented unclear?
If not, why?
Did you find the course structure and instructional media to be appealing?
Are there materials that could provide more appeal or ease of use?
Did all the videos and links work when you checked them?
If no, what links or videos did not work?
Would you have liked more practice or was there too much practice?
Did you like the games that were provided for practice?
How much time do you think a student should have to complete the instruction?
1. Looking at Calculators:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OhB9uiySoDUp3yFrQAA38CgzxN5pb5QDC7Hlrvkd
Qo0/viewform?usp=send_form
a. This button clears the last number you entered (clear entry) and switches the
calculator on.
c. The advanced functions keys are % the percentage key, +/- which changes
between positive and negative numbers, and the MR, M-, M+, MC keys which are
d. Answers vary but should include that rushed use or improper keying could lead to
e. addition key, subtraction key, multiplication key, division key, and equals key
f. Answers vary but should include that just like on paper there are place values that
have to be considered when reading and writing the numbers, careful observation
g. leg
h. log
i. ill
j. loose
2. Addition:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Fp9xfwLLYMCvtw-DUVqJ5VjoD9t5fSgG1Fenunvfo
Dk/viewform?usp=send_form
b. 12
c. 89
d. 1022
e. 1123
f. There isnt a comma key to use but most calculators will add it as you type in the
g. 190
h. 171
i. 281
j. 642
k. Answers will vary according to what was the best strategy for them.
3. Subtraction:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IjLrWUX3jQtQtwHyl7p-Ki_tscb9SKCP82ZSOTL7Lh
0/viewform?usp=send_form
a. Should include words like take away, subtract, minus, less than, difference.
b. Should include that the larger number must be entered first since we do not deal
c. 345
d. 81
e. 14
4. Multiplication:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KYWk_QA_-mLyf6h0bqPnzFvTX9S8fCAII49QFR83
bNo/viewform?usp=send_form
a. Should include words like multiply, times, lots of, groups of, double, twice as
b. Could include how multiplication is used when we work with the same number,
only use multiplication if we are adding the same numbers together e.g. 7 + 7 + 7.
But could talk about how both can be used if multiple instances of the same
c. 2,400
d. 232
5. Division:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Mksq4oorQ9lko5UvdqJccpzvZDdlJjV-YZFxXHrHpP
0/viewform?usp=send_form
a. Should include words like divide, share, halve, split, quotient, dividend, and
divisor.
b. Should include discussion on how the dividend and the divisor need to be
properly identified. The order you key them in must be the dividend first, then
the divisor.
c. Should include discussion that to multiply the divisor times the whole number
answer on screen. Then, subtract that product from the original dividend to be left
6. Cuminating Activity:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1V-oPW0acTMF7pSMt2ml8yXqQvC5ZjqyUX4ykvjqv
VjU/viewform?usp=send_form
a. Answer Key: Hi, Im your calculator. I want to tell about the funniest thing I ever
did see. I hope I can tell it without starting to giggle. Once, Liz, Bill, and Lee
were using me to see if they had enough money to go the zoo. Bill was eating an
egg, and he dropped the shell all over the floor. Just then a bee flew over and was
about to sting Liz on the leg. Her cat, Belle, came running down the hill and
started to gobble the bee. But then Belle saw the egg shell on the floor. She spit
out the bee and ate the shell instead. Gosh that was funny!
b. Student answers will vary based on what combination of numbers they decide to
use.
c. Student reflection
d. Student reflection
e. Student reflection
7. Proper Use of a Calculator Rubric will be used with all activities in course.