Make Explicit the Reasoning Behind Math Problem Solving: Explore the Effect of an Intelligent Tutor

• In Event: Mathematics Instruction for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

As part of the education reform, inclusion movement has brought general and special educators together for educating students with a range of abilities. It has provided opportunities for integrating the best practice from general and special education. This study reflected a collaborative work between math education and special education in instructing students with learning disabilities/difficulties (LD). As an outcome of this collaboration, we’ve developed an intelligent tutor (PGBM-COMPS) to nurture multiplicative reasoning of students with LD. The intelligent tutor draws on a constructivist view of learning from mathematics education and Conceptual Model-based Problem Solving that generalizes word-problem underlying structures (story-grammar) from special education. This study evaluated the effect of this intelligent tutor on improving students’ multiplicative reasoning and problem solving.

Authors

• Yan Ping Xin, Purdue University

• Casey Hord, University of Cincinnati

• Joo Young Park, Purdue University

• Jia Liu, Purdue University

• Ahmet Bugdayci, Purdue University

• Ron Tzur, University of Colorado - Denver

• Luo Si, Purdue University