The journal Learning Disabilities Research and Practice published new research that took place at the University of Kansas. The focus of the research was on how comprehension strategy instruction affects children’s word-problem-solving performance. Third-grade English Learners were chosen as participants.
66 third-grade English language learners with learning difficulties in maths received scripted lessons from trained tutors who also checked their understanding by asking them questions along with giving feedback on their answers. On the other hand students in the control group only received general instruction. The process continued for 30 minutes twice a week for 10 weeks.
Researchers found reading and math helped English learners improve their comprehension skills also visualizing and synthesizing information helped them to make connections which effectively improved their math performance. Reading the word problem makes the question identifiable and understandable to the students, also distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information is important while solving a problem.
Another side of the research focused on how collaborating with peers can improve learning through strategy to solve word problems. The intervention is a unique combination of math comprehension strategies and reading while focusing on phonological awareness, decoding and numeracy in solving problems. The research also highlighted how cultural practices along with effective teaching methods can be used to improve cognitive skills in diverse classrooms. For example, using the term “quesadilla” instead of “pastry” may help to improve engagement among students from different backgrounds.
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Lead author of the study, Michael Orosco said, “Utilizing direct and explicit teaching methods enhances understanding and enables students to effectively connect these skills to solve math problems. This integrated approach ensures that students are equipped with the necessary tools to navigate both the linguistic and numerical demands of word problems,”
The research will play a vital role in preparing training programs for future teachers to improve their skills so that they can help students at the elementary level to ensure their success in future higher-level maths like algebra.
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