The Effects of the Inclusion of Mathematical Problem-Solving Instruction on 5th Grade Students Who Are Reading Below Grade Level

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2017-07

Department

Program

Masters of Education

Citation of Original Publication

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if teaching mathematical problem-solving strategies to students who show difficulty interpreting what a question is asking, due to limited reading comprehension skills, increase mathematical problem-solving skill. Pre-and post- assessment data was analyzed to determine the effect that the reading strategies had on 5th grade student achievement as measured by post-assessment data. Data was collected using a Baltimore County (Maryland) Public Schools Unit Assessment. Each unit is composed of a pre-assessment with computation and problem-solving components as well as a post-assessment with similar components. Data was compared to determine growth in student performance for those exposed to the strategies compared to those not exposed to the strategies. The data collected showed that there was no statistical difference between the two groups, but all students made progress in both areas of the post-assessment.