Mathematics Word Problem Solving: An Investigation Into Schema-Based Instruction in a Computer-Mediated Setting and a Teacher-Mediated Setting with Mathematically Low-Performing Students

Mathematics Word Problem Solving: An Investigation Into Schema-Based Instruction in a Computer-Mediated Setting and a Teacher-Mediated Setting with Mathematically Low-Performing Students
Author: Jayne Leh
Publisher:
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2011
Genre:
ISBN: 9781124454498

Substantial evidence indicates that teacher-delivered schema-based instruction (SBI) facilitates significant increases in mathematics word problem solving (WPS) skills for diverse students; however research is unclear whether technology affordances facilitate superior gains in computer-mediated (CM) instruction in mathematics WPS when compared to teacher-mediated (TM) instruction particularly for low-performing students. This study investigated the differential effects of CM-SBI compared to TMSBI on mathematics WPS performance of mathematically low-achieving third-grade students using two commercially available packages (i.e., GO Solve Word Problems computer software [Tom Snyder Productions, 2005] and Solving Math Word Problems: Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities Using Schema-Based Instruction [Pro-Ed, 2007]). In addition, teacher and student satisfaction with strategy instruction and program materials were examined. Twenty-five students from one school district were randomly assigned to either a CM condition or a TM condition. Both conditions employed SBI that guided students to identify the problem type, and map the problem features using diagrams. Further, both conditions employed key instructional design principles and mathematics problem solving instructional features identified in the literature as effective for teaching students with disabilities (e.g., schematic diagrams, worked examples, visual representations, modeling). Intervention in both conditions consisted of 15 instructional sessions spanning six school weeks and session times remained constant between conditions. A pretest-posttest-delayed posttest repeated measures design (2 Group x 3 Times) with random assignment evaluates WPS gains of the two conditions using criterion-referenced WPS pretest, posttest and maintenance tests. Overall, results indicated that students in both conditions made significant gains in WPS performance and maintained gains after four weeks with no significant differences between conditions. Results suggest that SBI was effective at increasing and maintaining student skills in WPS performance regardless of instructional mode. Results also revealed no significant difference between conditions on student satisfaction or motivation and the teachers' preference for the TM curriculum over the computer software was indicated. Results suggest that the most important variable in terms of student gains in WPS acquisition and maintenance for mathematically low-performing students in CM settings is the strategy implemented (e.g., SBI that employs key instructional design features). Implications, limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Word Problems

Word Problems
Author: Stephen K. Reed
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 245
Release: 1998-12-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1135684332

Research by cognitive psychologists and mathematics educators has often been compartmentalized by departmental boundaries. Word Problems integrates this research to show its relevance to the debate on the reform of mathematics education. Beginning with the different knowledge structures that represent rule learning and conceptual learning, the discussion proceeds to the application of these ideas to solving word problems. This is followed by chapters on elementary, multistep, and algebra problems, which examine similarities and differences in the cognitive skills required by students as the problems become more complex. The next section, on abstracting, adapting, and representing solutions, illustrates different ways in which solutions can be transferred to related problems. The last section focuses on topics emphasized in the NCTM Standards and concludes with a chapter that evaluates some of the programs on curriculum reform.

Solving Math Word Problems

Solving Math Word Problems
Author: Asha K. Jitendra
Publisher: Pro-Ed
Total Pages: 316
Release: 2007
Genre: Education
ISBN:

This is a detailed-scripted program using Schema-Based Instruction (SBI), designed as a framework for instructional implementation. It is primarily for school practitioners (e.g., special and general education teachers, school psychologists, etc.) teaching critical word problem solving skills to students with disabilities, grades 1-8.

How to Solve Word Problems, Grades 5-6

How to Solve Word Problems, Grades 5-6
Author: Kathleen M. Kopp
Publisher: Teacher Created Resources
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2004-11
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1576909506

Give students that extra boost they need to acquire important concepts in specific areas of math. The goal of these How to books is to provide the information and practice necessary to master the math skills established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Each book is divided into units containing concepts, rules, terms, and formulas, followed by corresponding practice pages.