A Structured Approach to Solve Addition Math Word Problems

This workshop is part of the four-day institute Building Structure, Fluency, and Mathematical Reasoning lead by prominent researchers in math instruction. Create a personalized learning experience by attending a single session or the full institute.

This session introduces participants to the principles of schema-based instruction, an approach that helps students make sense of word problems by recognizing underlying mathematical structures rather than relying on superficial keywords. We will explore the major additive problem types, including join, separate, part–part–whole, and compare, and discuss how to guide students in identifying these structures across varied contexts. Participants will learn how to use visual models to represent thinking, support problem comprehension, and strengthen conceptual understanding. The session will also include a brief introduction to worked examples as an effective tool for building clarity and reducing cognitive load as students internalize problem schemas.

Key Learning Objectives:

• understand what schema-based instruction is and why it supports deeper mathematical comprehension
• identify and explore the four major additive problem types
• gain strategies for helping students recognize problem structure rather than relying on keywords
• gain practical ways to use visual models to represent thinking and support problem-solving
• explore how worked examples can build conceptual clarity and reduce cognitive load for learners

Presenter: Elizabeth Hughes, PhD

Grades: 3-8