Non-routine problem solving and strategy flexibility: A quasi-experimental study

• Main Authors: Hüseyin Ozan Gavaz (Author), Yeliz Yazgan (Author), Çiğdem Arslan (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Journal of Pedagogical Research, 2021-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2602-3717; 10.33902/JPR.2021370581
• Keywords: non-routine problems; problem solving; problem-solving strategies; strategy flexibility; Mathematics education; Education; L; Education (General); L7-991
• Source: Journal of Pedagogical Research, Vol 5, Iss 3, Pp 40-54 (2021)

This study aims to determine the effect of an instruction dealing with non-routine problem solving on fifth graders' strategy flexibility and success in problem-solving. For this aim, a quasi-experimental pre-test- post-test design without a control group was designed. The sampling method of the research is convenience sampling. There were 65 fifth graders (11-12 years of age) who came from two different classes of a public middle school located in Istanbul/Turkey. The instruction carried out by the first researcher in the students' classrooms lasted ten weeks (20 lesson hours). Pre-test and post-test consisted of eight non-routine problems which can be solved by using <i>guess and check</i>, <i>make a systematic list</i>, <i>work backward</i>, <i>look for a pattern</i>, <i>simplify the problem</i>, and <i>make a drawing </i>strategies. The results showed that instruction that focuses on non-routine problem solving could improve students' strategy flexibility in this area. Besides, non-routine problem-solving instruction was associated with a significant positive improvement in students' problem-solving achievement. Based on these results, some educational implications and suggestions for future studies were discussed.