A Comparison of Two Instructional Approaches on Mathematical Word Problem Solving by Students with Learning Problems.

This study examined the differential effects of two instructional strategies on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of mathematical word problem solving by students with learning disabilities: an explicit schema-based problem solving strategy (SBI) and a traditional general heuristic instructional strategy (TI). Twenty-two middle school students with learning disabilities and problems in mathematics were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment conditions. The two instructional strategies were compared using a repeated measure with control group design. Results indicated that the SBI group significantly outperformed the TI group on the posttest, maintenance test (1 to 2 weeks later), and follow-up test (3 weeks to 3 months later). The SBI group also significantly outperformed the TI group in solving transfer (i.e., structurally similar but more complex) problems following the assigned strategy instruction. Additionally, the performance of the SBI group on the posttest, maintenance, and follow-up tests surpassed a normative sample of 6th graders. Implications for practice are discussed. (Contains 20 references.) (Author/DB) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. kr) Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. 01 C+1 Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. 4-1 RUNNING HEAD: Word Problem Solving A Comparison of Two Instructional Approaches on Mathematical Word Problem Solving by Students with Learning Problems Yan Ping Xin Purdue University Div. of Special Education Room 5148, BRNG Liberal Arts and Education Blvd. West Lafayette, IN 47907 Asha Jitendra, Andria Deatline-Buchman, and Wesley Hickman Lehigh University Dean Bertram Bethlehem Area School District Paper presented at the 2002 AERA Annual Meeting New Orleans, LA U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OW of Educational Research and Improvement ED CATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIN CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it.

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