Severn News

Making Math Irresistible with 3-Act Tasks

With video, authentic problem-solving and little bit of mystery, learning specialist Mrs. Stacy Shaener is making math irresistible for Severn Lower School students. She’s flipping the script on mathematical problem solving and handing ownership of the work over to the kids. The result? Students who talk about math, learn from one another and just can’t pull themselves away from the task until it’s figured out.

What are 3-Act Tasks?

Three-act tasks involve an organic, hands-on approach to solving math that puts the kids in the lead while the teacher facilitates. In traditional mathematical problem solving for elementary school students, all the information required to solve a problem is given to the kids before they start, with little to no interpretation needed. Three-act tasks require much more investment on the part of the students — they have to figure out what the problem is, think about what additional information they might need, estimate, and then test their solutions.

Act One: Watch and Observe

Mrs. Shaener starts the three-act task lesson with a short, cliffhanger video. The video visually hints at a problem of some kind, but doesn't yet provide enough information to solve the problem.



After the kids watch, they make lists of things they noticed and things they wonder about. They share these and as a group, begin to discuss what problem is being presented and how they might go about solving it. This step is critical in activating their thinking — the suspense grabs their attention and transforms the math problem into a mystery to solve.
Students share their ideas on the whiteboard during a math lesson.

Act Two: Figure It Out

Mrs. Shaener shows another piece of the video to reveal just enough information for the kids to start working, but without prescribing a method for doing so. As a group, the kids make their final decision about what exactly they need to figure out and that’s where the fun begins. The kids break into small groups and begin using whatever strategies they can think of to solve the problem. Some students, operating at a more concrete stage, create models. Some, more comfortable with abstract math, go straight for paper and pencils. Some do a little of both.

Regardless of the strategy they choose, the entire class is so eager to find the solution, you can feel the energy in the room. This energy comes from students that are fully engaged and take responsibility for their own learning — even if they don't realize it. They figured out the problem and they are in charge of finding the solution...and the math becomes irresistible.
Severn School elementary school students work together on a math lesson.
 

Act Three: Solution Revealed

After each group has completed the task they gather again to watch the solution revealed. You can hear students chime in, “That’s how we did it!” and others, “We got that answer too, but this is how WE did it …” The students are supportive of one another and excited to share how different groups tackled the task.
Severn School elementary school students sit in a group during a math lesson.

Low Entry, High Ceiling

These tasks are great for any grade and ability level because they are considered “low entry, high ceiling” tasks. That means that every student can participate and complete the task, but those operating at more advanced levels can easily challenge themselves.
“I like that these are student-led and that estimation is built in. I question the kids to help guide their thinking and encourage them to talk about their process, ‘Why did you choose that strategy? Does this make sense?’ We want our students to evaluate their own thinking and ask ‘Is this reasonable?’” — Stacy Shaener

Support for our Students, Support for our Teachers

We are committed to meeting the individual needs of a diverse group of learners at Severn and believe that children do best when they have a committed team of adults supporting them. Mrs. Shaener helps our Lower School students make math a priority, while also making it fun. She keeps up-to-date on new and better ways to engage our kids in authentic problem-solving activities and works closely with teachers to keep every student moving forward with confidence in math.
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