The role of spatial ability and problem-solving strategies in early arithmetic word problem solving

Thesis

Arithmetic word problem solving in the early primary years is important, not least because it predicts later academic and career success. Factors such as language ability, numerical ability, and fluid reasoning have received considerable attention in research on young pupils’ word problem solving. In contrast, spatial ability remains understudied as a potential contributor to word problem solving, despite extensive evidence of a spatial–mathematical link. Specifically, research with older pup...

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Authors: Seo, J

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-pvn1mb2ay
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: mathematical word problems; quantity; quantitative reasoning; visuospatial working memory; spatial visualization; quantitative relation; spatial reasoning