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osu1281915279.pdf (4.03 MB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
Inference on Students' Problem Solving Performances through Three Case Studies
Author Info
Zhang, Pingping
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1281915279
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2010, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, EDU Teaching and Learning.
Abstract
This study investigated the problem solving behaviors as each solved four common non-routine problems. The major goals of the researcher were to determine whether the individual's performances were consistent across different subject areas and problem types that could be solved using different heuristics and to identify possible factors that influenced children's choices and strategy use in different contexts. Data analysis included search for isolating common and unique patterns of behaviors that children exhibited as well as possible factors that led to institution of those patterns. Background interviews and problem solving interviews were conducted with each participant individually. Based on the interview episodes, a case study report for each participant was prepared. The three cases served as data sources for the overall analysis. The results showed that self-monitoring was positively correlated with success in performance on certain mathematical activities. The results suggested that intra-task strategy flexibility does not imply success at reaching correct answers to tasks, yet further proposed that the level of intra-task strategy flexibility might depend largely on the individual's confidence and preference for the use of certain strategies. Inconsistency in the same individual's mathematics problem solving behaviors across different subject areas and/or heuristics usage was revealed. The results also supported the findings that the nature of the individual's knowledge and its organization serves as a major influence on their success or failure as problem solvers. Contrary to the previous studies, the study found no relationship between stated confidence in mathematics and success in non-routine problem solving performance.
Committee
Azita Manouchehri, PhD (Advisor)
Douglas Owens, PhD (Committee Member)
Pages
145 p.
Subject Headings
Education
Keywords
problem solving behaviors
;
problem solving strategy
;
problem solving performance
;
non-routine problem
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Citations
Zhang, P. (2010).
Inference on Students' Problem Solving Performances through Three Case Studies
[Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1281915279
APA Style (7th edition)
Zhang, Pingping.
Inference on Students' Problem Solving Performances through Three Case Studies.
2010. Ohio State University, Master's thesis.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1281915279.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Zhang, Pingping. "Inference on Students' Problem Solving Performances through Three Case Studies." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1281915279
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
osu1281915279
Download Count:
4,754
Copyright Info
© 2010, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.