Do you have students who get lost while solving a multi-step equations?
Does it appear that they are randomly writing work without understanding what to do when or why?
A different perspective is needed when this happens. And ... it can be simple!
In the midst of solving a multi-step equation, students can lose track of the goal - to solve for the variable.
What I call "outlining the equation" is one technique I use in this situation. It doesn't help all kids, but it does help a number of them. It is a visual that keeps the end goal in sight. Students begin by making an outline as shown, using DCV.
Distribute - Combine Like Terms - Get all Variable Terms on One Side
After completing DCV, it looks like this:
Success!
