Developing Students' Flexibility in Solving Linear Algebraic Equations
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Authors
Kawel, Kathryn A.
Issue Date
2003
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
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Abstract
The present study extends research on students' flexibility in problem solving to explore
the development of flexibility in algebra. 65 graduated sixth graders used the standard 4
operators (i.e., expand, combine, move, divide) to solve linear algebraic equations in
either the control or alternative-ordering (AO) conditions after minimal, strictly
procedural instruction. In order to encourage a flexible use of procedures, students in the
AO condition were instructed to solve some equations twice using a different solution
procedure each time. A post-test was given to all students after 3 consecutive days of
problem solving. All students improved in problem-solving ability as evidenced by
improved pre-test to post-test scores. Although most post-test measures were exploratory
and found no differences between the conditions, the AO condition led to a higher level
of flexibility on the post-test measure asking students to apply a particular operator in an
atypical way on a line of an equation. The results of this study suggest the alternative-ordering
task may be a sufficient manipulation to assess algebraic flexibility.
Description
vii, 53 p.
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License
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