Author:
Abstract
In this study, children’s strategies for solving concrete and symbolic problem types in addition and subtraction were examined. The researchers sought to determine whether inversion strategies were used, and if so operationalization of these strategies. Four third grade students, two girls and two boys, participate in the study through clinical interviews, the strategies and methods they use when solving problems are understood. The interviews and the problems solved are examined using discourse and content analyses. According to the results obtained, the students use shortcuts for the solution of all the concrete problems, which shows that they know the inversion strategy, whereas they perceive operation properties instrumentally for the solution of the problems defined as “symbolic” (particularly problems in the form of (a – b + b) and use operation strategies instead of inversion shortcuts. © 2018 IOJES. All rights reserved
Keywords
Abstract
In this study, children’s strategies for solving concrete and symbolic problem types in addition and subtraction were examined. The researchers sought to determine whether inversion strategies were used, and if so operationalization of these strategies. Four third grade students, two girls and two boys, participate in the study through clinical interviews, the strategies and methods they use when solving problems are understood. The interviews and the problems solved are examined using discourse and content analyses. According to the results obtained, the students use shortcuts for the solution of all the concrete problems, which shows that they know the inversion strategy, whereas they perceive operation properties instrumentally for the solution of the problems defined as “symbolic” (particularly problems in the form of (a – b + b) and use operation strategies instead of inversion shortcuts. © 2018 IOJES. All rights reserved