Answer to Question 1
Word problems are one step in the right direction, in that they relate mathematical concepts and procedures to situations that resemble real-life events. However, word problems have at least two limitations:
They are usually well-defined problems that present all the information that students need to solve themnothing more, nothing less. In contrast, real-life problems are often ill-defined; for instance, people must actively seek out all the necessary information, and they must discriminate between relevant and irrelevant data.
Notice how Ms. Fieseler assigns word problems related to whatever topics are currently under discussion.. Many students learn to apply the mathematical procedures they have most recently learned when they solve word problemsa strategy that is often quite effective within the context of a math class. But as a result, the students do not learn to discriminate among different kinds of problems and the procedures that each one requires.
Answer to Question 2
We see no evidence that Ms. Cecere is assigning any complex or lengthy tasks; all of her assessment tools seem to involve specific answers to specific questions. Authentic activities
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