Manipulatives and number sentences in computer aided arithmetic word problem solving

In this study we investigated the relative contribution of two main components often used in the instruction of arithmetic word problem solving to first-grade children and children with learning problems, external representation with manipulatives and formal mathematical representation with number sentences. Four computer aided treatments were developed along these dimensions. Furthermore, an assessment control group was formed.It was shown that performance improved significantly after treatment in comparison to the performance of the assessment control group. Comparison of the different training conditions showed that a number sentence treatment was the most effective training component. However, this effect was only present with the relatively high competent children and not with the relatively low performing children.

[1]  M. Jaspers,et al.  Prototypes of computer-assisted instruction for arithmetic word-problem solving: a training study on improving the ability of educable mentally retarded children to solve simple addition and subtracti , 1991 .

[2]  Meindert Beishuizen,et al.  Mental Strategies and Materials or Models for Addition and Subtraction Up to 100 in Dutch Second Grades. , 1993 .

[3]  D. A. Carey,et al.  NUMBER SENTENCES: LINKING ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION WORD PROBLEMS AND SYMBOLS , 1991 .

[4]  C. Mauritz Lindvall,et al.  An Analysis of Incorrect Procedures Used by Primary Grade Pupils in Solving Open Addition and Subtraction Sentences. , 1978 .

[5]  J. Raven,et al.  Manual for Raven's progressive matrices and vocabulary scales , 1962 .

[6]  Koeno Gravemeijer,et al.  The role of contexts and models in the development of mathematical strategies and procedures , 1997 .

[7]  James Hiebert,et al.  The effect of instruction on children's solutions of addition and subtraction word problems , 1983 .

[8]  M. W. M. Jaspers,et al.  A CAI program for instructing text analysis and modelling of word problems to educable mentally retarded children , 1994 .

[9]  Harriett C. Bebout.  Children's Symbolic Representation of Addition and Subtraction Word Problems. , 1990 .

[10]  Mary S. Riley,et al.  Development of Children's Problem-Solving Ability in Arithmetic. , 1984 .

[11]  K. Fuson,et al.  Teaching Children to Use Schematic Drawings to Solve Addition and Subtraction Word Problems. , 1988 .

[12]  James M. Moser,et al.  Representation of Addition and Subtraction Word Problems. , 1988 .

[13]  Monique W.M. Jaspers,et al.  The evaluation of two computerised instruction programs for arithmetic word-problem solving by educable mentally retarded children , 1994 .