TExES EC-6 Mathematics Instruction & Problem Solving 4

Question 1

When selecting manipulatives for a lesson on fractions, which consideration is MOST important for instructional effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

The manipulatives should directly model the mathematical concept being taught

Answer

Manipulatives are most effective when they have a clear structural connection to the concept, such as fraction bars for comparing fractional parts.

Question 2

A student uses the strategy of breaking 8 + 6 into 8 + 2 + 4 to get 10 + 4 = 14. Which reasoning strategy is the student applying?

Accepted Answer

Making ten (bridging through ten)

Answer

The student decomposes 6 to make a ten first, then adds the remainder—a strategy called 'making ten' or 'bridging through ten.'

Question 3

Which type of question promotes the HIGHEST level of mathematical thinking during classroom discussion?

Accepted Answer

'Why does your strategy always work, and can you prove it?'

Answer

Asking students to justify and generalize their strategy promotes analysis and evaluation—higher-order thinking skills.

Question 4

A teacher notices that ELL students struggle with math word problems despite understanding the calculations. What instructional accommodation is MOST effective?

Accepted Answer

Provide word problems with visual supports, simplified language, and key vocabulary pre-taught

Answer

Visual supports and pre-taught vocabulary reduce language barriers while preserving the mathematical rigor of the task.

Question 5

In the context of early geometry instruction, which activity is MOST developmentally appropriate for kindergarten students?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and sorting two-dimensional shapes by their attributes

Answer

Kindergarten TEKS focus on identifying, sorting, and describing two-dimensional shapes by their properties through hands-on exploration.

(TExES EC-6) TExES Core Subjects EC–6 Practice Test

(TExES EC-6) TExES Core Subjects EC–6 Practice Test

TExES EC-6 Mathematics Instruction & Problem Solving 4