Diagrams Benefit Symbolic Problem-Solving

Autor/inn/en	Chu, Junyi; Rittle-Johnson, Bethany; Fyfe, Emily R.
Titel	Diagrams Benefit Symbolic Problem-Solving
Quelle	In: British Journal of Educational Psychology, 87 (2017) 2, S.273-287 (15 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0007-0998
DOI	10.1111/bjep.12149
Schlagwörter	Grade 7; Mathematics Instruction; Problem Solving; Algebra; Equations (Mathematics); Student Characteristics; Teaching Methods; Comparative Analysis; Visual Aids + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? School year 07; 7. Schuljahr; Schuljahr 07; Mathematics lessons; Mathematikunterricht; Problemlösen; Equations; Mathematics; Gleichungslehre; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Anschauungsmaterial
Abstract	Background: The format of a mathematics problem often influences students' problem-solving performance. For example, providing diagrams in conjunction with story problems can benefit students' understanding, choice of strategy, and accuracy on story problems. However, it remains unclear whether providing diagrams in conjunction with symbolic equations can benefit problem-solving performance as well. Aims: We tested the impact of diagram presence on students' performance on algebra equation problems to determine whether diagrams increase problem-solving success. We also examined the influence of item- and student-level factors to test the robustness of the diagram effect. Sample: We worked with 61 seventh-grade students who had received 2 months of pre-algebra instruction. Method: Students participated in an experimenter-led classroom session. Using a within-subjects design, students solved algebra problems in two matched formats (equation and equation-with-diagram). Results: The presence of diagrams increased equation-solving accuracy and the use of informal strategies. This diagram benefit was independent of student ability and item complexity. Conclusions: The benefits of diagrams found previously for story problems generalized to symbolic problems. The findings are consistent with cognitive models of problem-solving and suggest that diagrams may be a useful additional representation of symbolic problems. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01