Recording ShowMe Videos for Multi-Step Equations

8th Grade Algebra

Jared Sutton

Problem Identified​: I noticed that a significant number of my pre-Algebra Intensive group were struggling to explain and justify their process in solving multi-step linear equations.

Hypothesis​: If I prompt students to record their work in solving multi-step equations on video using “ShowMe”, then their descriptions of the process of equation-solving will improve as measured by their sophistication in critiquing other equation solution methods.

Data Collection​: Mastery Check comparison between pre- and post-”ShowMe” work and written analysis of other students’ “ShowMe” videos.

Actionable Step​: This application could be useful for any “critiquing the reasoning of others” tasks, even for science and humanities.

Overall Findings/Impact​: The number of students who were “meeting” the learning outcome “I can solve a multi-step one-variable linear equation,” increased from 43% to 93% within one week of the “ShowMe” activities. Students became more active in prescribing a next step in a multi-step solution process than during previous whole-class discussions.