The Effect of Linguistic Complexity Features in Math Word Problems on English Language Learners

• In Event: Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Educational Measurement

Abstract

Mathematics word problems (MWPs) contain various linguistic features. Some of them might be particularly challenging for English language learners (ELLs), undermining the assessments' validity and fairness. In this systematic review, we examined 11 empirical studies to answer two questions: (1) which linguistic features of MWPs are challenging for ELLs; (2) how does the effect of linguistic features vary based on ELL subgroups. Our review found that some descriptive and lexical features are challenging for ELLs across studies, while the effects of some grammatical features were mixed. Furthermore, for ELLs at different grade levels and with various English proficiency levels, the impact of linguistic features varied. We include recommendations for future research.
Keywords: mathematics word problems, linguistic complexity, English language learners

Authors

• Liu Liu, University of Georgia

• Yu Luo, Seattle University

• Min Li, University of Washington

• Micaela Moricet, University of Washington