An investigation of strategies used by grade 4 learners to solve measurement type word problems

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate and highlight the problem-solving strategies used by grade 4 learners when solving measurement word problems. Furthermore, it aimed at revealing how learners go about using these strategies to arrive at meaningful solutions. The findings of this study would strengthen the argument that our current curriculum needs to place greater emphasis on problem solving. It would also enhance the claim that learners need to be exposed to a greater variety of problem-solving strategies to allow them to select the most suitable strategies when solving word problems. The study used a case study research design and a mixed methods approach was adopted. The sample of the study was a class of 42 grade 4 learners at a primary school in Cape Town.