Word problems can improve math’s relevance to students by connecting to their interests or showcasing practical applications, explains Kevin Dykema, president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and an 8th grade math teacher at Mattawan Middle School in Michigan, in an article in K-12 Dive.
To engage students, consider using artificial intelligence to help design word problems that tie into students’ interests or current events, he says. Reference the 2024 Summer Olympics to link the games to lessons. AI can help develop word problems more engaging and connected to student interests.
Word problems offer a way to bring cross-curricular opportunities into math, says Dykema. Math educators can work with teachers in other subjects to design problems to connect math skills to topics ranging from English language arts to science.
Harness students’ help to develop ideas. Teachers can give students a scenario and ask them to about the situation by tapping into data provided. Ask students what problems they want to solve, and what they need to find the answers. This increases the potential for more involvement, says Dykema.
K-12 Dive
