Date of Award
Spring 5-4-2015
Document Type
Education 530 Project
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Education
First Advisor
Sheckels, Marie P.
Major or Concentration
Elementary Education
Abstract
This study seeks to investigate the effects of personalization in mathematical word problems compared to non-personalized, textbook word problems. Students have been found to perform higher on word problems when students' names and interests are included in the context (Hart, 1996). In addition, personalized word problems have been rated easier to solve and preferred over textbook word problems (Ku & Sullivan, 2002). In the present study, differences between personalized and non-personalized word problems were examined in subgroups of mathematical and reading levels. Interest Survey information was used to personalize or replace the context of textbook word problems, while leaving the same numeric values and required operations. Second graders received either a non-personalized or personalized word problem each morning. Word problems were counterbalanced so that a word problem and its counterpart were administered at least two weeks apart. Results indicated that the personalization of word problems improved students' performance, perceived difficulty ratings, and attitudes toward word problems. However, differences between non-personalized and personalized word problems were not statistically significant.
Recommended Citation
D'Agata, Brianna, "The Influence of Personalized Mathematical Word Problems on Second Graders' Performance, Attitudes Toward Word Problems, and Difficulty Ratings" (2015). Student Research Submissions. 118.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/118