ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

After introducing the addition of fractions with common denominators, which homework assignment would be most effective?

1. Ask students to detail the procedure used.

2. Assign 10 problems on adding fractions with common denominators.

3. Give a quiz on fractions.

4. Provide a set of word problems involving fractions.

The correct answer is: Assign 10 problems on adding fractions with common denominators.

Assigning a set of 10 problems on adding fractions with common denominators is most effective because it allows students to practice the specific skills they have just learned in a structured way. Repetition is key in math, and by working through a set of problems, students can reinforce their understanding of the addition process for fractions. This practice helps to solidify their knowledge, ensuring they become more confident and proficient in this area. In addition, this focused assignment gives the teacher a clear measure of each student's grasp of the concept. It allows for immediate feedback, which can guide further instruction and identify any misconceptions. The repetition of similar problems also aids in building automaticity, making it easier for students to perform these operations in the future without extensive thought. While detailing the procedure used is beneficial for promoting understanding, it does not provide the same level of practice. A quiz could be too early for assessing their knowledge comprehensively following instruction. Word problems, while useful in applying concepts, may not allow as clear a demonstration of their understanding of adding fractions specifically, especially for students who may still struggle with recognizing when and how to apply specific operations. Thus, the assignment involving multiple adding problems is particularly advantageous in reinforcing newly introduced concepts.