The Effect of the English Language Level of Proficiency on Mathematical Problem Solving Skills For Third-Graders at Mashrek International School in Amman

Abuqutaish, Reem Hisham Mohammad (2017) The Effect of the English Language Level of Proficiency on Mathematical Problem Solving Skills For Third-Graders at Mashrek International School in Amman. Masters thesis, جامعة الشرق الاوسط.

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Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect the students’ level of proficiency in the English language had on their mathematical problem solving skills, and how the instructional design for mathematical problem solving may be altered to meet the individual students’ needs. The researcher selected a purposive sample of 78 third grade students who were enrolled at Mashrek International School during the academic year 2016-2017. The researcher utilized quantitative and qualitative data to obtain the results. A mathematical problem solving test was administrated to the sample, and interviews were conducted with homeroom teachers, the program coordinator and the head of primary to obtain more information. The findings revealed that the students’ level of proficiency in the English Language, the language of instruction, directly affected the students’ IX performance in the mathematical problem solving test. The participants in the advanced group obtained higher means and percentages of correct answers across the different categories of the mathematical problem solving test. Additionally, the results revealed that the instructional design might be altered by using different strategies including differentiation, and manipulative learning resources. It may also be altered by introducing the mathematical language to students, and ensuring that they comprehend the theorems and definitions, before embarking on the journey of worded problems solving. Key Words: effect, English, proficiency, mathematical, word problems, international school.

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