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Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)
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Cognitive Strategies, Working Memory, and Growth in Word Problem Solving in Children With Math Difficulties
H Lee Swanson1, Catherine M Lussier2, Michael J Orosco2
1University of California, Riverside, USA Lee.Swanson@ucr.edu.
Journal of Learning Disabilities
|August 22, 2013
Summary
Strategy instruction significantly improves math word problem solving for children, especially those with math difficulties. Working memory capacity (WMC) plays a key role, with visual strategies benefiting students with math difficulties and combined verbal-visual strategies aiding others.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Word problem solving is crucial for mathematical development.
- Individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC) impact learning.
- Children with math difficulties (MD) often struggle with complex cognitive tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of different strategy instructions on word problem solving accuracy.
- To examine the moderating role of working memory capacity (WMC) in strategy effectiveness.
- To compare outcomes for children with and without math difficulties (MD).
Main Methods:
- Two-year intervention study with 2nd and 3rd graders (n=192).
- Random assignment to verbal-only, verbal + visual, visual-only strategies, or control groups.
- Analysis of treatment effects moderated by working memory capacity (WMC).
Main Results:
- Strategy intervention effects were significantly moderated by WMC.
- Higher WMC generally led to better treatment outcomes.
- Children with MD benefited most from visual-only strategies; children without MD benefited from verbal + visual strategies.
Conclusions:
- Tailoring strategy instruction to individual working memory capacity (WMC) is essential for effective math problem solving.
- Visual strategies are particularly beneficial for children with math difficulties (MD).
- Combined verbal and visual strategies enhance learning for children without math difficulties.
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