Teaching the CUBES strategy is an effective way to empower students with a structured approach to tackle math word problems, transforming potentially daunting challenges into manageable steps. This mnemonic strategy helps students systematically break down complex problems, ensuring they understand what is being asked, what information is relevant, and how to arrive at a solution.
The CUBES Strategy Breakdown
The CUBES strategy is an acronym that guides students through key steps for analyzing and solving word problems. It helps them focus on critical information and develop a plan before attempting to calculate the answer.
Here's how each letter of CUBES translates into a practical step:
| Letter | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| C | Circle Key Numbers and Labels | Students identify and circle all numerical values in the problem, along with their corresponding units or labels (e.g., 5 apples, 12 feet). This helps them extract the critical data needed for calculations. |
| U | Underline the Question | Students locate and underline the specific question(s) the problem is asking. This step ensures they understand the goal and stay focused on answering what is requested, preventing misinterpretations. |
| B | Box Math Action Keywords | Students identify and box keywords that indicate the mathematical operation(s) needed (e.g., total, sum, difference, per, share, altogether). This connects language to mathematical processes. |
| E | Evaluate and Eliminate | Students determine the necessary operation(s) based on keywords and eliminate any irrelevant information. This step often involves thinking about what a reasonable answer might look like, and sometimes involves drawing a simple picture or diagram to visualize the problem. |
| S | Solve and Show Your Work | Students execute the plan by performing the calculations and clearly showing their steps. They then check their answer to ensure it makes sense in the context of the problem and verify its accuracy. |
C: Circle Key Numbers and Labels
To teach this step, emphasize the importance of identifying not just the numbers, but also what those numbers represent.
- Practical Tip: Provide word problems and ask students to only circle the numbers and their labels first, before doing anything else. For example, in "Sarah bought 3 packs of cookies, with 8 cookies in each pack", students should circle "3 packs of cookies" and "8 cookies."
U: Underline the Question
This step is crucial for comprehension. Students often jump to calculations without fully understanding what they are trying to find.
- Practical Tip: Encourage students to read the problem out loud before underlining anything. This helps them process the information auditorily. Ask: "What exactly are we trying to find out?" or "What is the problem asking us to do?"
B: Box Math Action Keywords
Keywords are the bridge between language and mathematical operations. Teach students a vocabulary of common keywords associated with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Common Keywords Table:
| Operation | Common Keywords |
|---|---|
| Addition | sum, total, altogether, in all, plus, combined, increased by |
| Subtraction | difference, how many more, how many less, left, remain, take away |
| Multiplication | product, times, per, each (when finding total), of, twice, triple |
| Division | quotient, equally share, split, distribute, average, per (when finding rate) |
E: Evaluate and Eliminate
This is where critical thinking comes into play. Students learn to sort through information and plan their approach.
- Eliminate Unnecessary Information: Present problems with extra details that aren't needed to solve the problem. Ask students, "Is all this information important to find our answer? What can we get rid of?"
- Evaluate the Plan: Guide students to think about the appropriate operation(s). Prompt questions like: "Based on the keywords, what operation should we use?" or "What steps do we need to take to solve this?"
- Draw a Picture: Encourage drawing simple diagrams or models. Visual representations can clarify complex problems and help students confirm their understanding before solving.
S: Solve and Check
After planning, students execute their strategy. Emphasize showing work and verifying the answer.
- Solve: Instruct students to neatly write out their calculations.
- Check: Teach students to reread the question and see if their answer directly addresses it. Encourage them to use the inverse operation to verify their calculations or estimate to see if their answer is reasonable. For example, if they added, they can subtract to check.
Effective Teaching Techniques for CUBES
Implementing CUBES effectively requires more than just explaining the steps; it demands active teaching and consistent practice.
- Model the Strategy Extensively: Demonstrate each step of CUBES aloud using various word problems. Think through your process, verbalizing your thoughts for each letter.
- Guided Practice: Work through problems together as a class, having students apply each CUBES step collaboratively. Provide templates or graphic organizers with the CUBES letters.
- Scaffolding: Initially, focus on one or two steps at a time. For instance, spend a day just practicing circling numbers and underlining the question. Gradually add more steps as students gain confidence.
- Consistent Practice: Integrate CUBES into daily math routines. The more students use it, the more automatic it becomes. Provide opportunities for both individual and group problem-solving.
- Reflection: After solving problems, encourage students to reflect on their process. Ask: "Which CUBES step helped you the most in this problem?" or "Was there any unnecessary information in this problem?"
Benefits of Using CUBES
- Reduces Anxiety: Provides a clear, systematic path, making word problems less intimidating.
- Enhances Comprehension: Forces students to slow down, read carefully, and understand the problem before attempting to solve.
- Develops Critical Thinking: Encourages students to identify relevant information and choose appropriate strategies.
- Improves Accuracy: By breaking down problems, students are less likely to miss crucial details or make careless errors.
By teaching the CUBES strategy, educators equip students with a transferable skill that not only improves their math performance but also strengthens their overall problem-solving abilities.
