This essay proposes a reflection on the learning difficulties and teaching approaches associated with arithmetic word problem solving. We question the development of word problem solving skills in the early grades of elementary school. We are trying to revive the discussion because first, the knowledge in question-reversibility of arithmetic operations and flexibility of mathematical thinking-are the key elements in elementary mathematics, and second, because we hope to create a shift in the understanding of this knowledge development in students. Using the folk tale-The Three Little Pigs‖ as a metaphor, we analyze difficulties students experience while learning to solve word problems involving addition and subtraction. We formulate a hypothesis about cognitive duality of word problem-solving. This hypothesis explains some well-known learning difficulties and suggests teaching principles which would help to avoid developmental obstacles and pitfalls within the teaching/learning process.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.