Development of educational software for learning equation solving

Abstract

Research into the contribution made by educational software to student learning has shown mixed results. More needs to be known about how to include learning theories in the design of educational software, particularly in the area of mathematics. This study investigates the effects of interactive software on students' learning of equation solving.

When solving equations, students need to understand overall equation solving strategies as well as the procedures for individual steps. There is a need for more emphasis to be placed on helping students understand the concepts of equation solving strategies.

In this study, software was developed to encourage students to develop strategies for solving equations. Strategies were emphasised by allowing students to focus on making decisions about equation solving strategies while the software carried out the procedures. Students were able to search for multiple solution strategies. In addition, the feedback given to students emphasised strategies and included equations which showed the consequences of students' strategic decisions.

The software was tested, and data were collected on students' equation solving performance, strategies students used and students' attitudes to the software. Results showed that most students found the software and its emphasis on strategies helped them learn. The activity in which students searched for multiple solution strategies for each equation appeared to be suited to students who could already solve an equation using one strategy. More improvement in performance was shown by students studying in a lower level course.

Analysis focussed on the students who showed the most improvement in equation solving performance, and this led to suggestions for additional learning activities to suit the other students. These suggestions have been summarised as a framework of learning goals for helping students learn to solve equations. The proposed framework, which includes practical guidelines for emphasising the concepts of equation solving strategies, will help teachers to structure lessons and software developers to plan learning activities.