ERIC Number: EJ1169663
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1940-9923
EISSN: N/A
Solving Word Problems: As Easy As PIES!
Heater, Mary Jane; Howard, Lori A.; Linz, Ed
Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities, v16 n1 Article 3 p15-22 Sum 2012
Many students are challenged when tasked to complete a word problem. While they may know the procedural steps to solve an equation, translating a word problem into an appropriate equation and producing a solution may often cause students to become confused or unwilling to try. This article provides a potential solution for teachers by discussing the use of a simple mnemonic tool to help organize the process. Mnemonics are a useful and effective strategy to help students with learning disabilities remember information and process steps. In the strategy presented, the mnemonic PIES is used to describe a 4-step process for solving word problems in which the acronym is described as P = Picture (draw a simple sketch) based on the situation described by the word problem), I = Information (circle key words in the problem and write next to picture), E = Equation (find an equation that fits the information), and S = Solve (solve the equation to produce an answer). PIES has been successfully used with all students in an inclusive high school Physics classroom, as well as self-contained high school science classes. Suggestions and an example for teachers are included.
Descriptors: Word Problems (Mathematics), Problem Solving, Mnemonics, Equations (Mathematics), Learning Disabilities, Inclusion, Secondary School Science, Physics, Science Instruction, Teaching Methods, Secondary School Teachers, Secondary School Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A