Student-controlled metacognitive training for solving word problems in primary school mathematics

A. E. Jacobse, E. G. Harskamp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Solving word problems plays an important role in primary school mathematics education. However, many students have difficulty solving such tasks. In order to improve students' metacognitive and problem-solving skills, a computer program was developed consisting of word problems and metacognitive hints. The experimental group of Grade 5 (n = 23) practiced with the computer program, in which the students were free to choose metacognitive hints during problem-solving. The control group (n = 26) did not work with the computer program. Results show that students using the metacognitive program outscore the students in the control group on the problem-solving posttest and improve their metacognitive skills. Moreover, a relationship between mathematics performance and hint use was found. These results support the assumption that metacognitive skills can be enhanced by students' free choice of metacognitive hints in a computerized learning environment and that use of hints can increase students' performance in solving word problems.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)447-463
Number of pages17
JournalEducational Research and Evaluation
Volume15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

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