Computer-assisted instruction systems have been broadly applied to help students solve math word problem. The majority of such systems, which are based on an instructor-initiating instruction strategy, provide pre-designed problems for the learners. When learners are asked to solve a word problem, the system will instruct the learners what to do.…

Responsiveness to intervention (RTI) is an innovative approach to the identification of learning disabilities (LD). The central assumption is that RTI can differentiate between two explanations for low achievement: poor instruction versus disability. If the child responds poorly to validated instruction, then the assessment eliminates…

Elementary school students often misinterpret the equal sign (=) as an operational rather than a relational symbol. Such misunderstanding is problematic because solving equations with missing numbers may be important for the development of higher order mathematics skills, including solving word problems. Research indicates equal-sign instruction…

Research indicates that there is a reciprocal relationship between challenging behavior and poor academic performance and that this relationship will have a lifelong negative impact on individuals caught in this detrimental cycle. New interventions continue to be reported in the literature describing more effective ways to implement academic…

This study aimed to investigate the interplay between mathematical word problem skills and reading comprehension. The participants were 225 children aged 9-10 (Grade 4). The children's text comprehension and mathematical word problem-solving performance was tested. Technical reading skills were investigated in order to categorise participants as…

This study assessed the effects of preventative tutoring on the math problem solving of third-grade students with math and reading difficulties. Students (n = 35) were assigned randomly to continue in their general education math program or to receive secondary preventative tutoring 3 times per week, 30 min per session, for 12 weeks.…

To build cognitive foundation for number, twenty-six low-performing, low-SES first graders did mathematical physical-knowledge activities, such as "bowling," during the first half of the year. As their arithmetic readiness developed, they tried more word problems and games. At the end of the year, these children did better in mental arithmetic and…

The article details an instructional procedure (based on the effective instruction research) to enable learning disabled adolescents to master three types of algebraic word problems: relational problems, proportion problems, and problems with two variables and two equations. (Author/DB)

Presented are problem solving tips for teachers related to mathematical word problems for elementary school students. (RH)

This paper is based on the preparatory study of a doctoral study in which we learned to consider defining in the realm of organizing. In particular, having engaged students in a situation based on "equivalence relations" (from an expert point of view), we report two different ways of organizing the given situation. One of them results in a "new"…

Reprints three items that appeared in the media that were developed into mathematical problems. Items include a commentary called Junk the Penny, a sale advertisement for a department store, and a sports column with statistics. Eighteen questions are provided along with answers. A graphing calculator is suggested for some problems. (PVD)

Presents students' various solutions to a word problem. (KHR)

Describes different solution strategies used by students for a problem on the cost of talking on the phone. (YDS)

Describes student solutions to a "Food for Thought" problem using different strategies. (YDS)

Poses the Fractionberry Pie problem to teach students fractions. (Author/NB)