The Model Method: Singapore Children's Tool for Representing and Solving Algebraic Word Problems

Autor/inn/en	Ng, Swee Fong; Lee, Kerry
Titel	The Model Method: Singapore Children's Tool for Representing and Solving Algebraic Word Problems
Quelle	In: Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 40 (2009) 3, S.282-313 (32 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0021-8251
Schlagwörter	Mathematics Curriculum; Foreign Countries; Word Problems (Mathematics); Problem Solving; Algebra; Mathematics Instruction; Elementary School Students; Elementary School Mathematics; Mathematical Models; Elementary School Teachers; Arithmetic; Mathematical Concepts; Singapore + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Textaufgabe; Problemlösen; Mathematics lessons; Mathematikunterricht; Elementare Mathematik; Schulmathematik; Mathematical model; Mathematisches Modell; Elementary school; Teacher; Teachers; Grundschule; Volksschule; Lehrer; Lehrerin; Lehrende; Addition; Arithmetik; Arithmetikunterricht; Rechnen; Singapur
Abstract	Solving arithmetic and algebraic word problems is a key component of the Singapore elementary mathematics curriculum. One heuristic taught, the model method, involves drawing a diagram to represent key information in the problem. We describe the model method and a three-phase theoretical framework supporting its use. We conducted 2 studies to examine teachers' perceptions and children's application of the model method. The subjects were 14 primary teachers from 4 schools and 151 Primary 5 children. The model method affords higher ability children without access to letter-symbolic algebra a means to represent and solve algebraic word problems. Partly correct solutions suggest that representation is not an all-or-nothing process in which model drawing is either completely correct or completely incorrect. Instead, an incorrect solution could be the consequence of misrepresentation of a single piece of information. Our findings offer avenues of support in word problem solving to children of average ability. (Contains 11 figures, 2 tables, and 1 footnote.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-3702; Fax: 703-476-2970; e-mail: orders@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10