Factors and Multiples

Strand: Number
Outcome: 3

Step 5: Follow-up on Assessment

Guiding Questions

What conclusions can be made from assessment information?
How effective have instructional approaches been?
What are the next steps in instruction?

A. Addressing Gaps in Learning

Students who have difficulty solving problems using multiples, factors, primes and composites will enjoy more success if one-on-one time is provided in which there is open communication to diagnose where the learning difficulties lie. Assessment by observing a student solving problems will provide valuable data to guide further instruction. Success in problem solving depends on a positive climate in which the students are confident in taking risks. By building on the existing understandings of each student and accommodating the individual learning styles, success will follow.

Use the following strategies to help students become effective and efficient in solving problems using multiples, factors, primes and composites:

provide problems that relate to the student's interest; use the student's name in the problem
initially, use smaller numbers in the problem
have the student paraphrase the problem
include problems that focus on only one set of multiples or factors first, then move on to common multiples and common factors
connect multiples and factors to previous knowledge about number facts and area of rectangles
have the student connect the concrete, pictorial and symbolic representations
ensure the student has a solid understanding of multiples and factors before introducing prime and composite numbers
provide manipulatives such as square tiles for students to represent the problem, as needed
encourage flexibility in thinking by having the student solve problems in a variety of ways, such as using a number line or patterns in a chart
ask guiding questions to show connections among multiples, factors, primes and composites
provide a graphic organizer such as the KNWS chart (see Blackline Master—KNWS Chart ).

B. Reinforcing and Extending Learning

Students who have achieved or exceeded the outcomes will benefit from ongoing opportunities to apply and extend their learning. These activities should support students in developing a deeper understanding of the concept and should not progress to the outcomes in subsequent grades.

Strategies for Reinforcing and Extending Learning Word