Applying Computerized Concept Maps in Guiding Pupils to Reason and Solve Mathematical Problems: The Design Rationale and Effect

Abstract

The capability of solving fundamental mathematical problems is essential to elementary school students; however instruction based on ordinary narration usually perplexes students. Concept mapping is well known for its effectiveness on assimilating and organizing knowledge, which is essential to meaningful learning. A variety of concept map-based instruction and assessment methods and software tools have been successfully applied to improve learning in diverse disciplines. This article presents a software tool that applies concept mapping and aims to train students in analyzing mathematical problems precisely and then solving them correctly. Additionally, an experiment investigating the tool's impact on children's capability of solving mathematical problems is reported. The experiment revealed that incorporating concept maps into the instruction process can successfully strengthen students' ability of reasoning and solving mathematical problems. Besides the quantitative analysis, an interview reflected that most students were inclined to use the tool as well as the approach that instructed learners how to reason and solve mathematical problems.