Word problems involve reading, executive functioning, problem solving, computation and vocabulary, which means there are a lot of ways for students to go wrong when trying to solve them.

Research suggests that word problems might be easier to grasp and more beneficial at the beginning, rather than the end, of a math lesson.

But making word problems too basic or easy, or teaching students specific “hacks” to solve a word problem, doesn’t work, either, experts say.

A new study from the University of Kansas explores the role of working memory in word problem-solving for students with and without math difficulties. Researchers found that using interventions to ...

In Olathe, Kansas — a district inspired by Powell’s work — teachers had struggled for years with word problems, said Kelly Ulmer, a math support specialist whose goal is to assist in closing ...