Do your students find word problems difficult to solve? Do you feel like your students spend more time trying to understand the question than actually solving it? If so, you’re not alone. Many students struggle with word problems. But don’t worry, there is a strategy that can help make word problem solving easier: the KUSAC strategy! In this blog post, we will discuss what the KUSAC strategy is and how to use it to improve your ability to solve word problems.
Do you remember feeling frustrated when trying to solve worded math problems when you were in school? It seemed like no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn’t get the right answer. This is the KUSAC problem solving technique can be a game changer for your classroom. Head to mathfullearners.com/KUSAC to download your FREE worksheets.
What are Word Problems?
A word problem is a mathematics problem that uses words instead of numbers to describe the problem. Word problems can be difficult for students because they often require students to read and comprehend the problem, identify the relevant information, and then solve the problem.
Why do Students Find Worded Problems so Hard to Solve?
Many students struggle with word problems because they don’t know where to start or what information they need to solve the question. Solving word problems often requires students to use a variety of skills including: mathematical knowledge, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Why we Need a Step by Step approach when Solving Word Problems
By having a step-by-step approach to solving Word Problems, students can really break the question down into small bite size pieces and work through the process whenever they are encountered by a worded problem.
What is KUSAC?
The KUSAC strategy provides a step-by-step approach to solving word problems. The strategy acronym stands for:
K – Circle what you need to know
U – Underline the question
S – Show your strategy
A – What is the answer?
C – Check your answer
K – Circle what you need to know
To answer the question, what do you students need to know? In the example below, students needs to know …..
U – Underline the question
What question is the worded problem asking you? Underline it so you know what you are answering.
S – Show your Strategy
Using the Problem Solving Strategy Posters, choose a strategy that best works with the question. Show how you solve the problem using that strategy.
A – What is the Answer?
What is the answer to the problem? Write it in here.
C – Check your Answer
Using another strategy, check your answer to see if it is correct.
Can you see how wonderfully this process works each time? Why not try it with your students the next time you encounter a word problem in your mathematics lesson.
Read more about teaching a variety of Problem Solving Strategies.
Don’t forget to download my FREE KUSAC Problem Solving Worksheets to help introduce your students to the KUSAC acronym.
Full KUSAC Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division worksheets (25 worksheets in each set) are available in my store or on Teachers Pay Teachers.
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