Learning to Solve Mathematical Application Problems: A Design Experiment With Fifth Graders

Recent research has shown that many upper elementary school children do not master the skill of solving mathematical application problems. In this design experiment, a learning environment for teaching and learning how to model and solve mathematical application problems was developed and tested in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMathematical thinking and learning Vol. 1; no. 3; pp. 195 - 229
Main Authors Verschaffel, Lieven, De Corte, Erik, Lasure, Sabien, Van Vaerenbergh, Griet, Bogaerts, Hedwig, Ratinckx, Elie
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc 01.09.1999
Subjects
Grade 5
Intermediate Grades
Mathematical Applications
Mathematical Models
Mathematics Instruction
Metacognition
Problem Solving
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Summary:Recent research has shown that many upper elementary school children do not master the skill of solving mathematical application problems. In this design experiment, a learning environment for teaching and learning how to model and solve mathematical application problems was developed and tested in 4 classes of 5th graders. Pupils were taught a series of heuristics embedded in an overall metacognitive strategy for solving mathematical application problems. Meanwhile, pupils of 7 control classes followed regular mathematics classes. The implementation and effectiveness of the experimental learning environment were tested in a study with a pretest-posttest-retention test design with an experimental and a control group. The results indicate that the intervention had a positive effect on different aspects of pupils' mathematical modeling and problem-solving abilities.
ISSN:1098-6065
1532-7833
DOI:10.1207/s15327833mtl0103_2