The Effects of a Paraphrasing Intervention on Word Problem-Solving Accuracy of English Learners at Risk of Mathematic Disabilities

Abstract

English learners (ELs) experience difficulty with mathematical problem solving because word problems require complex processes beyond basic math skills, such as the use of linguistic information, identifying relevant information, and constructing the appropriate problem statement. This study used a combined multiple baseline design and criterion changing design to assess the effectiveness of a paraphrasing intervention on the problem-solving performance for nine third-grade students who are ELs and at risk of mathematical disabilities (MD). Although the magnitude of the Tau-U effect sizes was in the small range, the visual analysis indicated that all students displayed increasing trends in problem-solving accuracy as a function of the paraphrasing intervention. The results were discussed in terms of providing continual support toward maintaining intervention outcomes.