CEA CEA Literacy & Numeracy Instruction 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes the concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) instructional sequence in mathematics?
- Teaching abstract formulas first and then using manipulatives for enrichment
- Moving from physical objects to visual diagrams to symbolic notation (Correct answer)
- Using worksheets to develop procedural fluency before introducing word problems
- Teaching all three levels simultaneously to all students
Correct answer: Moving from physical objects to visual diagrams to symbolic notation
The CRA sequence builds mathematical understanding by starting with hands-on manipulatives, progressing to drawings, and finally moving to abstract symbols.
Question 2: A student can follow the steps to multiply two-digit numbers but cannot explain why the algorithm works. This student lacks:
- Procedural fluency
- Mathematical conceptual understanding (Correct answer)
- Mathematical fact automaticity
- Problem-solving persistence
Correct answer: Mathematical conceptual understanding
Conceptual understanding means knowing why procedures work, not just how to execute them; this student demonstrates procedural knowledge without conceptual depth.
Question 3: Which tool is MOST effective for helping early elementary students develop number sense?
- Timed multiplication flash cards
- A number line and base-ten blocks (Correct answer)
- Algebraic equations with variables
- Standardized test practice worksheets
Correct answer: A number line and base-ten blocks
Number lines build an understanding of quantity and relationships between numbers, while base-ten blocks model place value concretely, both foundational to number sense.
Question 4: An educational assistant is helping a student who struggles to solve multi-step math word problems. Which support strategy should be used FIRST?
- Give the student the answer and work backward through the steps
- Teach the student to read the problem, identify key information, and plan before computing (Correct answer)
- Remove word problems from the student's assignments
- Allow the student to use a calculator for all steps
Correct answer: Teach the student to read the problem, identify key information, and plan before computing
Teaching students to read carefully, identify relevant information, and plan a solution approach builds the metacognitive skills needed for multi-step problem solving.
Question 5: What is the MAIN purpose of using graphic organizers (such as story maps) in reading instruction?
- To assess a student's handwriting quality
- To help students visually organize and retain key ideas from a text (Correct answer)
- To replace written summaries for students with disabilities
- To teach phonics patterns in context
Correct answer: To help students visually organize and retain key ideas from a text
Graphic organizers provide a visual framework that supports comprehension by helping students identify and organize key textual elements such as characters, settings, and events.
Question 6: Which approach is MOST appropriate when an educational assistant provides corrective feedback during oral reading?
- Immediately supply the correct word so the student can keep reading
- Wait briefly, prompt the student to self-correct using decoding strategies, then provide the word if needed (Correct answer)
- Mark all errors silently and review them after the session
- Interrupt reading frequently with vocabulary quizzes
Correct answer: Wait briefly, prompt the student to self-correct using decoding strategies, then provide the word if needed
Allowing wait time and prompting self-correction builds independent decoding skills; supplying the word immediately reduces the student's opportunity to problem-solve.
CEA CEA Literacy & Numeracy Instruction 2
Which of the following BEST describes the concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) instructional sequence in mathematics?