Mathematical Word-Problems That Require Realistic Answer

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the Turkish students’ problem-solving skills about word problems requiring the consideration of real-life situations and the reasons underlying the unrealistic responses the students gave to these kinds of problems. This study was carried out with 300 students selected by random sampling among the students at 6th, 7th and 8th grades of elementary schools in Turkey. A problem test which requires realistic responses was administered to these students. Two separate forms were arranged for this problem test given to the students. After the students solved the problem test, totally 60 students, were randomly selected to participate in an interview aiming to investigate the students’ thoughts while solving the problems and how they comment on the problem situation. In this study, it was determined that the percentage of the students’ level of achievement related with the problems the students had to consider the real-life situations was low. This result can be commented that the students tend to make mathematical operations when they meet a problem in a maths class as they think the problem must have an accurate solution although they find the answer unlogical.

Keywords

• Problem solving, Real life, Turkish students, Word problems

Kamuran TARIM*a, Sıdıka Pınar ÖKTEM a

Abstract

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