Improving School Children’s Mathematical Word Problem Solving Skills

Tufan Adiguzel Texas A&M University; Yavuz Akpinar Bogazici University
Abstract
Instructional resources that employ multiple representations have become commonplace in
mathematics classrooms. This study will present computer software, LaborScale which was designed to improve seventh grade students’ word problem-solving skills through computer-based multiple representations including graphic, symbolic, and audio representations. The proposed presentation will illustrate the design, implementation and validation of an interactive learning environment (ILE), LaborScale. This ILE is based upon the principles of computer based interactive problem solving environments, which connects different types of knowledge representation forms, and aims primarily to assist students as they explore symbolic
representations used in word-problem solving process.

Paper presented at AECT 2004 Conference.