Having the students submit their work, whether it be correct or not, has heightened their focus on good and accurate work. Students who have gotten correct answers from others are still required to be able to explain their understanding of the problem. When feedback is given asking various questions and thorough detailed explanations for why certain operations were done, students are required to answer the feedback questions for class credit. Knowing that good work is also highlighted has been another added incentive for students to try their best. The highlighted solutions have also given the students evidence that other students their age can and do take the time to give full and detailed explanations to the PoWs, and that there is often more than one approach to solving a problem.
Students also get a kick out of seeing their names on the list of successful solutions.
Although I ask all of my students to attempt each PoW, the PoWs allow me to differentiate for all levels of students and to provide enrichment activities for all. The PoWs also offer the opportunity for students to investigate concepts that we may or may not have had time to look at in depth. I'm excited about the PoWs that you make available and the feedback that is so important. Thank you for all your hard work. They are presented with the problem on Tuesdays.