Mathematical Abilities and Development of Mathematical Word Problem-Solving Skills in a Technology-Based Learning Environment: Methods and Main Results

This article examines Solver Learning Environment, methods and main results of the study dealing with mathematical abilities and development of mathematical word problem-solving skills in a technology-based learning environment. To collect data a teaching experiment was arranged at Kaukajärvi School in the city of Tampere, Finland. The participants of the study were fifteen years old. In the study empirical group comparison methods were used. During the teaching experiment the group A studied mathematical word problem-solving in the technology-based Solver Learning Environment. The group B studied the same material with conventional teaching methods, using paper and pencil only. A control group did not take part in the problem-solving lessons, they just participated in the tests. Several tests were arranged to measure pupils' mathematical word problem-solving skills and to evaluate their mathematical abilities. In this paper we present the study design and main results of the study, too.