YOUR WORK FIRST · QUESTIONS, NOT ANSWERS

Where did the math
stop making sense?

Start with your own work. The coach helps you find the first uncertain step, check it, and explain your correction.

1 · Start2 · Show3 · Check4 · Explain

START HERE

What happened?

This helps the coach ask the right kind of question.

Type the math problem—not an answer from an AI tool

SHOW YOUR THINKING

Add the steps you actually tried.

One line per step is enough. Start at the beginning, even if you think the mistake happened later.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

FIND THE FIRST BREAK

Choose the first step that needs checking.

Do not begin with the final answer. The first uncertain step is usually where the useful learning is.

COACH QUESTIONRead your work from the beginning. Choose the first step where you are not completely sure—not simply the last wrong answer.Try one: estimate · reverse the operation · substitute · draw or graph it · check signs, units, and labels · compare with an example

What did you expect this step to do?How did you check it?

MAKE THE REPAIR

Correct it and explain why.

A changed answer is not enough. Explain the mathematical reason the new step works.

What did you change?Why is the correction mathematically valid?

Ready to turn in?

Make sure you can explain the correction aloud without reading it.

Why this worksIES mathematical problem-solving guidanceMonitoring, reflection, visual representations, and multiple strategies inform this coach.