An alternative approach to improve mathematics performance of fourth graders: GA's in mathematics education

Abstract

This study is suggesting an alternative approach to improve the mathematics performance of fourth graders by using Genetic Algorithm (GA), which is a global optimization methods used in almost all branches of science. The mathematics performance of fourth graders in North Cyprus region was investigated. The results obtained showed that they are poor mainly in non-routine story problems. The proposed method here was developed as a web based solution. First stage of the method is to check the performances of the students in six different items; numbers, operations, and story problems both in routine and non-routine forms. The questions used in the tests will be selected from a library of questions in the mentioned six possible groups by GA principle. The results from the tests will be a feed-back to the teachers about the student performances and also their abilities in the mentioned items. Then according to the test results the teacher may need to revise his/her teaching method followed in the class. If necessary, the tests can be repeated several times until the class (and individuals) reaches to a reasonable performance. The second stage is mainly to investigate the performance of the students in story problems with 'problem posing' principle. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.