Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2004. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 190-197). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Title: Interpretation of calculations in word problems - looking for a question Author: Tereza Legová Department: Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Education Supervisor: prof. RNDr. Naďa Vondrová, Ph.D., Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Education Abstract: This thesis deals with an exploratory study of the introduction of modified word problems into the teaching of mathematics. The modification of the classical word problem consists in setting the context of the word problem and calculation. The task of pupils is to find out what we get by the given calculation, what question the calculation answers and substantiate their claims. The aim of the thesis was to describe how pupils think in solving this type of problem. Specifically, it investigated what strategies pupils elect and what difficulties arise in solving. The theoretical part of the thesis is a search of literature on the topic of solving word problems and their possible implementation in teaching. The practical part is divided into two phases. A test consisting of three problem contexts was given to pupils. The aim was to determine the meaning of the three given calculations for the each context. Before solving the test, a sample problem was discussed with the pupils. In the first phase, interviews were conducted with six pupils...

Dans cette étude qualitative descriptive/interprétative, nous cherchons comment des enseignantes réputées expertes au deuxième cycle du primaire au Québec prévoient la différenciation pédagogique en résolution de problèmes mathématiques. Pour comprendre les contraintes et conditions de cette prévision, nous avons utilisé le modèle de Verschaffel, Greer et De Corté (2000) qui un modèle didactique crée pour comprendre les différentes phases de la démarche par laquelle passe l’élève pour résoudre un problème. Nous avons couplé ce modèle avec les dispositifs de la différenciation pédagogique de Tomlinson (2000) à savoir la différenciation des processus, la différenciation des productions, la différenciation des structures et la différenciation des contenus. Dans chaque phase de la démarche et chaque dispositif évoqué par les enseignantes, nous avons décrit les adaptations en général et les adaptations pour un ou des élèves en particulier. Il en ressort que prévoir comment différencier en résolution de situations-problèmes mathématiques relève d’un défi. En effet, même si les enseignantes rapportent prévoir utiliser un grand nombre de gestes de pratique pour tenir compte des besoins diversifiés de leurs élèves, elles semblent vouloir garder prise sur la plupart des explications avant de laisser les élèves se lancer seuls dans la résolution de la situation-problème mathématique. Cela s’explique par les contraintes nombreuses à gérer ainsi que leur perception de l’étayage à mettre en place pendant la recherche des élèves. Cela a pour conséquence de ne pas toujours exposer les élèves à risque au travail avec leurs pairs -bien qu’ils bénéficient alors grandement des rétroactions immédiates de l’enseignante- et a tendance à laisser de côté les besoins des élèves avancés. / In this qualitative study in a descriptive/interpretative model, we look for how teachers, supposedly experts in second grade in primary school in Québec predict differenciated instruction in solving problems. To understand the constraints and conditions around this prediction, we used Verschaffel, Greer and De Corté’s model (2000) wich is a didactic model to understand the different steps of the student to solve a problem. To complete this model, we used the differenciated devices of Tomlinson (2000) : differenciated process, differenciated productions, differenciated structures and differenciated contents. In the five phases of the process and in each device evocated by the teachers, we explained adaptation in general and adaptation for one or several students. It shows that predicting how to differenciate in solving problems is a challenge. Indeed, even if the teachers say they predict to use a certain amount of adaptations to take in consideration the needs of all the students, they seem to wanting to keep hold on most of the explanation before letting the student to start to try and solve the problem on their own. We explain this by the constraints to deal with and their perception of the scaffolding to be put in place during the search of solving. As consequence, it does not expose enough the at risk students to the work with their peers – altough they get great advantage of the immediate retroactions of the teacher- and has the tendency to left on side the needs of the advanced students.

The study explored factors that affect academic achievements in Grade 6 mathematics classrooms in a case of solving word problems. It investigated empirically the causes and perceptions that lead to difficulties in solving word problems and eventually identified strategies for teaching them. The constructivist philosophy was adopted. The study used the mixed-method design with quantitative data complementing the qualitative information. In gathering data, a word problem task, questionnaires, a class observation schedule, face-to-face and focus group interviews were used, focusing on SFS (pseudo) school learners and their teachers as a convenient sample. Data analysis was done in an integrated fashion where concurrent triangulation was followed. The statistics results illustrate that factors such as English language proficiency adversely affect the academic achievements of Grade 6 learners when solving word problems. Reading instructions aloud repeatedly and explaining key mathematical concepts have emerged as key strategies in understanding and solving word problems in mathematics. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The study explored factors that affect academic achievements in Grade 6 mathematics classrooms in a case of solving word problems. It investigated empirically the causes and perceptions that lead to difficulties in solving word problems and eventually identified strategies for teaching them. The constructivist philosophy was adopted. The study used the mixed-method design with quantitative data complementing the qualitative information. In gathering data, a word problem task, questionnaires, a class observation schedule, face-to-face and focus group interviews were used, focusing on SFS (pseudo) school learners and their teachers as a convenient sample. Data analysis was done in an integrated fashion where concurrent triangulation was followed. The statistics results illustrate that factors such as English language proficiency adversely affect the academic achievements of Grade 6 learners when solving word problems. Reading instructions aloud repeatedly and explaining key mathematical concepts have emerged as key strategies in understanding and solving word problems in mathematics. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)