Bar models (also called tape diagrams or Singapore strips) are a powerful tool for visualizing a wide variety of mathematical situations. Tape diagrams are explicitly mentioned in the CCRSAE as a tool for reasoning with ratios, and they can be used for so much more. Using tape diagrams can help students improve their number sense, problem-solving skills, and confidence on standardized test questions that target a range of topics.
Bar models can be used to reason about standardized test questions that target operations with fractions and percents, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning. By gaining facility in using bar models on standardized tests, students will improve their scores and gain lasting conceptual understanding.
- ABE and HSE teachers at all levels of math ability and comfort
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
In this workshop, you will be introduced to Test Talks, an instructional routine for building student confidence, understanding, flexibility, and familiarity with standardized test questions. This workshop focuses specifically on test questions that can be approached with bar models. You will experience Test Talks as a learner with a variety of multiple choice, test-style questions on a range of topics. You will grow your ability to reason with bar models. In addition, you will get access to a resource containing a bank of test questions to use with Test Talks.
- Facilitate a Test Talk
- Reason visually and conceptually using bar models
- Reason visually and conceptually about test questions on a variety of topics, specifically using bar models
- Use test questions to teach conceptually and equitably
- Use the Will This Be on the Test? resource packet
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
Bristol Community College
2 Hamilton Street
Taunton, MA 02780
United States
