Enhancing Conceptual Knowledge in Early Algebra through Scaffolding Diagrammatic Self-Explanation

Many studies have shown that visual representations can enhance student understanding of STEM concepts. However, prior research suggests that visual representations alone are not necessarily effective across a broad range of students. To address this problem, we created a novel, scaffolded form of d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inGrantee Submission
Main Authors Nagashima, Tomohiro, Bartel, Anna N, Silla, Elena M, Vest, Nicholas A, Alibali, Martha W, Aleven, Vincent
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published 2020
Subjects
Algebra
Comparative Analysis
Concept Formation
Equations (Mathematics)
Grade 5
Grade 6
Instructional Effectiveness
Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Learning Processes
Mathematical Concepts
Mathematics Instruction
Prior Learning
Problem Solving
Scaffolding (Teaching Technique)
STEM Education
Teaching Methods
Visual Aids
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Summary:Many studies have shown that visual representations can enhance student understanding of STEM concepts. However, prior research suggests that visual representations alone are not necessarily effective across a broad range of students. To address this problem, we created a novel, scaffolded form of diagrammatic self-explanation in which students "explain" their problem-solving steps in the form of diagrams. We used contrasting cases to support students' sense-making between algebraic equations and diagrams in the self-explanation activity. We conducted a classroom experiment with 41 students in grades 5 and 6 to test the effectiveness of this strategy when embedded in an Intelligent Tutoring System for algebra. We found that scaffolded diagrammatic self-explanation enhanced conceptual knowledge for students who did not have prior knowledge of formal equation-solving strategies. The study is the first experimental study showing that visual representations can enhance conceptual knowledge in early algebra. [This paper was published in: "ICLS 2020 Proceedings," ISLS, 2020, pp. 35-42.]