Developing Procedural Flexibility: Are Novices Prepared to Learn from Comparing Procedures?

Autor/inn/en	Rittle-Johnson, Bethany; Star, Jon R.; Durkin, Kelley
Titel	Developing Procedural Flexibility: Are Novices Prepared to Learn from Comparing Procedures?
Quelle	In: British Journal of Educational Psychology, 82 (2012) 3, S.436-455 (19 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	Weitere Informationen
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0007-0998
DOI	10.1111/j.2044-8279.2011.02037.x
Schlagwörter	Problem Solving; Grade 8; Teaching Methods; Outcomes of Education; Mathematics Instruction; Mathematics Education; Comparative Analysis; Public Schools; Pretests Posttests; Retention (Psychology); Equations (Mathematics); Algebra; Intervention; Data Analysis; United States + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Problemlösen; School year 08; 8. Schuljahr; Schuljahr 08; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Lernleistung; Schulerfolg; Mathematics lessons; Mathematikunterricht; Mathematische Bildung; Public school; Öffentliche Schule; Merkfähigkeit; Equations; Mathematics; Gleichungslehre; Auswertung; USA
Abstract	Background: A key learning outcome in problem-solving domains is the development of procedural flexibility, where learners know multiple procedures and use them appropriately to solve a range of problems (e.g., Verschaffel, Luwel, Torbeyns, & Van Dooren, 2009). However, students often fail to become flexible problem solvers in mathematics. To support flexibility, teaching standards in many countries recommend that students be exposed to multiple procedures early in instruction and be encouraged to compare them. Aims: We experimentally evaluated this recommended instructional practice for supporting procedural flexibility during a classroom lesson, relative to two alternative conditions. The alternatives reflected the common instructional practice of delayed exposure to multiple procedures, either with or without comparison of procedures. Sample: Grade 8 students from two public schools (N= 198) were randomly assigned to condition. Students had not received prior instruction on multi-step equation solving, which was the topic of our lessons. Method: Students learned about multi-step equation solving under one of three conditions in math class for about 3 hr. They also completed a pre-test, post-test, and 1-month-retention test on their procedural knowledge, procedural flexibility, and conceptual knowledge of equation solving. Results: Novices who compared procedures immediately were more flexible problem solvers than those who did not, even on a 1-month retention test. Although condition had limited direct impact on conceptual and procedural knowledge, greater flexibility was associated with greater knowledge of both types. Conclusions: Comparing procedures can support flexibility in novices and early introduction to multiple procedures may be one important reason. (Contains 5 tables and 2 figures.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10