This was an interesting article that talked about the Guess and Check method. This method has proved to be advantageous for students in the middle grades; especially as they work through word problems. Many times, students give up and get frustrated when it comes to word problems because they don't actually understand what is being said because they don't have a working knowledge of mathematical language. These students end up following a set of guidelines and formulas instead of comprehending mathematical application and critical thinking.
This article suggests that students use guess and check which will enable the student to develop a conceptual strategy to make sense of word problems and to find the appropriate solution, pattern, or equation. Students start out with a series of questions that guide them through the process. Through this process, students develop a strategy and skill that is useful to them in all facets of life. This allows learners to go from an objective view of mathematics to more of a subjective approach as they delve into symbolic representation. Learners must not only know how to use this approach, but know when it is the most useful tool and when it is not.
Guess and Check is an incredible tool for students to grasp because it brings a direct correlation between understanding concepts and symbolic representation of their knowledge. It is also a way of not only finding solutions to problems, but rather getting into the habit of exercising critical thinking within math to create mathematical equations.
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