ERIC Number: EJ876782
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Mar
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-1325
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Effects of Stating Problems in Bilingual Students' First and Second Languages on Solving Mathematical Word Problems
Bernardo, Allan B. I.; Calleja, Marissa O.
Journal of Genetic Psychology, v166 n1 p117-128 Mar 2005
Researchers have suggested that among bilinguals, solving word problems in mathematics is influenced by linguistic factors (K. Durkin & B. Shire, 1991; L. Verschaffel, B. Greer, & E. De Corte, 2000). Others have suggested that students exhibit a strong tendency to exclude real-world constraints in solving mathematics word problems (L. Verschaffel, E. De Corte, & S. Lasure, 1994). In the present study, the authors explored the effects of stating word problems in either Filipino or English on how Filipino-English bilingual students solved word problems in which the solution required the application of real-world knowledge. The authors asked bilingual students to solve word problems in either their first or second language. For some of the word problems, real-life constraints prevented straightforward application of mathematical procedures. The authors analyzed the students' solutions to determine whether the language of the word problems affected the tendency to apply real-life constraints in the solution. Results showed that the bilingual students (a) rarely considered real-life constraints in their solutions, (b) were more successful in understanding and solving word problems that were stated in their first language, and (c) were more likely to experience failure in finding a solution to problems stated in their second language. The results are discussed in terms of the relationship between linguistic and mathematical problem-solving processes among bilinguals. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Bilingual Students, Linguistics, Second Languages, Problem Solving, Word Problems (Mathematics), Language Role, Language of Instruction, Bilingualism, Malayo Polynesian Languages, Theory Practice Relationship, Grade 5, Elementary School Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 5
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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