Semantic Structure of Word Problems: A Content Analysis

Abstract

Solving word problems is a standard part of the mathematics classroom. However, many students struggle solving word problems due to the variety in types of problems. One word problem can require a different solution approach than another form with few semantic changes. The Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) released a taxonomy for classifying types of one-step addition and subtraction word problems. The present study is a content analysis of three widely distributed mathematics textbooks, one each from three separate textbook publishers. The researchers analyzed the textbooks to classify the types of word problems they contained according to the CCSSI taxonomy. The findings show that variation of semantic problem structure is not proportionate within a single textbook; however, problem category frequency is similar across textbooks.