Overcoming language barriers in word problem solving: a framework for intervention

Debbie Bautista Verzosa, Joanne Mulligan

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    We describe a pedagogical approach aimed to assist second-grade Filipino children to solve additive word problems in English, a language primarily encountered only in school. The impact of the intervention is exemplified through a case study of one child with sufficient understanding of additive structures but with poor English skills. The intervention provided linguistic and mathematical scaffolds focussed on linking the text, situation, and problem representations. Conveying additive part-whole concepts in Filipino using a range of representations strengthened knowledge of additive situations and facilitated success for English word problems. However, correct solutions did not necessarily imply coherent mappings between the strategy and the text.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationMathematics
    Subtitle of host publicationtraditions and [new] practices : proceedings of the AAMT-MERGA Conference, held in Alice Springs, 3-7 July 2011
    EditorsJulie Clark, Barry Kissane, Judith Mousley, Toby Spencer, Steve Thornton
    Place of PublicationAdelaide
    PublisherAAMT and MERGA
    Pages892-899
    Number of pages8
    ISBN (Print)9781875900718
    Publication statusPublished - 2011
    EventBiennial Conference of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (23rd : 2011) and the Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (34th : 2011) - Alice Springs, NT
    Duration: 3 Jul 20117 Jul 2011

    Conference

    ConferenceBiennial Conference of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (23rd : 2011) and the Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (34th : 2011)
    CityAlice Springs, NT
    Period3/07/117/07/11

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