The effect of solving word problems in different ways on the level of understanding and achievement in mathematics among high school students

The differences between the academic achievements and motivation level of 10th grade students in solving word mathematical problems with different solution methods were examined in this research, as the examined solution method is using tables versus solving by linear solution, solution through graphs and solution through series. The research rational is to clarify that the table method solution is preferred better than the other methods in academic achievements. The main research goal was to examine the differences in the academic achievements of the students, and in the student's level of motivation in mathematical studies, in the context of solving word mathematical problem in different ways (linear solution, table solution, graph solution and series solution). The central research question was: how does the method of solving word problems with different ways (linear solution, table solution, graph solution and series solution) on 10th grade student achievements and motivation. The comparison is between the tables solution methods versus other methods (linear, graphs and series). 100 10th grade students from Arab schools in northern Israel that learn the subject of mathematics participated in this research. The research sample is composed by four classes: class number 1 solved the tests according with the linear problem solution; class number 2 solved the tests according with the table solution method; class number 3 solved the tests by the graph solution method; and class number 4 solved the tests by using the series solution method. The research used a general mathematical test and an examination of word problems involving six verbal problems questions regarding traffic and three questions regarding percentage. The research findings indicated that distinct differences in the students' academic achievements were found while using the table solution method versus the different solution methods of linear solution, solution using graphs and solving by series, it was found that solving using tables is preferable to other methods. The research contribution indicates that the table solution method improves student achievements versus the other solution methods in solving word problems. The table solution method has been found as the most efficient way to improve student achievements. However, not the table solution method or any other solution method showed an effect on student motivation.