Abstract
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.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bebout, H.C. (1990). Children's symbolic representation of addition and subtraction word problems.Journal for Research in Mathematics Education 2: 123–131.
Beishuizen, M. (1993). Mental strategies and materials for addition and subtraction up to 100 in dutch second grades.Journal for Research in Mathematics Education 24(4): 294–323.
Carey, D.A. (1991). Number sentences: Linking addition and subtraction word problems and symbols.Journal for Research in Mathematics Education 22: 266–280.
Carpenter, T.P., Hiebert, J. & Moser, J.M. (1983). The effect of instruction on children's solutions of addition and subtraction word problems.Educational Studies in Mathematics 14: 55–72.
Carpenter, T.P., Moser, J. & Bebout, H.C. (1988). Representation of addition and subtraction word problems.Journal for Research in Mathematics Education 19: 345–357.
Jaspers, M.W.M. (1991). 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 subtraction word problems. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, KUN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Jaspers, M.W.M. & Van Lieshout, E.C.D.M. (1994a). A CAI program for instructing text analysis and modeling of word problems to educable mentally retarded children.Instructional Science 22: 115–136.
Jaspers, M.W.M. & Van Lieshout, E.C.D.M. (1994b). The evaluation of two computerised instruction programs for arithmetic word-problem solving by educable mentally retarded children.Learning and Instruction 4: 193–215.
Lindvall, C. & Ibarra, C. (1980). Incorrect procedures used by primary grade pupils in solving open addition and subtraction sentences.Journal for Research in Mathematics Education 11:50–62.
Raven, J.C. & Summers, B. (1986).Manual for Raven's Progressive Matrices and Vocabulary Scales. Research Supplement No. 3. London: Lewis.
Riley, M.S., Greeno, J.M. & Heller, J.I. (1983). Development of children's problem-solving ability in arithmetic. In H.P. Ginsburg, ed.,The Development of Mathematical Thinking, pp. 153–196. Orlando: Academic Press.
Stellingwerf, B.P. (1997). Structure in teaching arithmetic word problem solving to children with learning problems. In B.P. Stellingwerf, ed., Learning the rules of the game, strategies in teaching arithmetic word problem solving. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, KUN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Van Lieshout, E.C.D.M. (1997). What can research on word and context problems tell about effective strategies to solve subtraction problems? In M. Beishuizen, K.P.E. Gravemeijer & E.C.D.M. Van Lieshout, eds,The Role of Contexts and Models in the Development of Mathematical Strategies and Procedures, pp. 79–111. Utrecht: Cdß Press.
Van Lieshout, E.C.D.M. & Pos, T.J. (1990). Moeilijk lerende kinderen instraeren in het opstellen van somnotaties bij redactieopgaven [Teaching learning disabled children to solve word problems by means of number sentences]. In M. Boekaerts & E. De Corte, eds,Onderwijs Research Dagen. Onderwijsleerprocessen, pp. 11–21. Nijmegen: ITS.
Verhoeven, L. (1992).Drie-Minuten-Toets. Arnhem: CITO.
Willis, G. & Fuson, K. (1988). Teaching children to use schematic drawings to solve addition and subtraction word problems.Journal of Educational Psychology 80(2): 192–201.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stellingwerf, B.P., Van Lieshout, E.C.D.M. Manipulatives and number sentences in computer aided arithmetic word problem solving. Instr Sci 27, 459–476 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00891974
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00891974