SAMPLE:  Documented Problem Solving  - Pairs Check

Adapted from Classroom Assessment Techniques written by Thomas A Angelo & K. Patricia Cross (1993) and Cooperative Learning written by Spencer Kagan (1992).

Instructions: Simplify and document the process for simplifying the following algebraic expressions containing exponents. Partner A solves the first problem while partner B coaches.  Partner B solves the second problem while partner A coaches. 

PROBLEM                                                                             DOCUMENTATION

Student A:  will work out

problem A  while Student B will coach.           First decide which method to factor. 

This will be Factor using GCF

Factor:

A)     Step 1:  Find the Greatest Common factors

              The GCF will be: 

     The GCF will be: 

Step 2:  Factor out the GCF from the polynomial

                       by dividing the GCF from the polynomial.         

Step 3:  Factored Solution

Student B:  will work out

problem B  while Student A will coach.          First decide which method to factor. 

This will be Factor using GCF

Factor:

A)    Step 1:  Find the Greatest Common factors

                        The GCF will be: 

     The GCF will be: 

Step 2:  Factor out the GCF from the polynomial

                              by dividing the GCF from the polynomial.                         

Step 3:  Factored Solution