A number of studies have demonstrated that students have substantial difficulties with algebra
Two examples include Koedinger and Nathan's (2002) study of the errors middle-school students make when solving algebraic equations and Clement's (1982) study of undergraduate's ability to generate an equation from a simple word statement. Describe the findings of either Koedinger and Nathan, or Clement, and provide an interpretation for the results.
What will be an ideal response?
Koedinger and Nathan showed that children sometimes use the "do the same thing to both sides" strategy incorrectly. Instead of doing the same thing to both sides of the equal sign, they may choose an arbitrary fulcrum and do the same thing to both sides of it. For example, in the problem x + 2 – 3 = 12, children may add 3 to the numbers on either side of the minus sign. This suggests that children often apply memorized procedures without understanding the concepts behind them. It also suggests that children lack a good understanding of the equal sign. In Clement's study, undergraduates failed to write the correct equation for the statement, "There are six times as many students as professors at this university." Instead of writing the correct equation 6p = s, students tended to write 6s = p. This suggests that it is difficult for students to translate language into algebraic notation.
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Sam and Ella have agreed to participate in marriage counseling. They have been married for five years and each person reports they have become bored with their marriage. Initially, what can the marriage therapist tell them regarding the "ups and downs" of marriage?
A. They will need to improve their communication skills to discuss issues during counseling. B. Marital satisfaction will decline if couples do not engage in fun activities. C. Marital satisfaction begins to decline just after the marriage and it continues to fall until it reaches its lowest point, usually following the birth of children. D. Couples should spend more time with other married couples to engage in decision- making.
What might be one consequence associated with child psychopathology?
a. increased demands on health systems b. less funding for educational institutions c. less interest in interventions d. increased funding for criminal justice systems
Riley was assigned code number 249031 by his bank when he first opened his account. Later, his bank changed its coding system, and Riley was assigned the new code number 586729 . If Riley experienced proactive interference when he was asked for his bank code number, you would predict that he would recall:
a. the six digits 249031 b. the six digits 586729 c. only the first three digits (586) of his new number d. only the last three digits (729) of his new number
In Carl Rogers' humanistic theory, he emphasizes two assumptions. These assumptions are:
a. the need for locus of control and conscious motivation b. the need for achievement and recognition c. the existence of the real self and ideal self d. the self-actualizing tendency and personal need for positive regard