Research Design
Action research was used in this study. At the beginning, we carried out a plan for action research in
order to explore the word problem as part of „curriculum‟ during the teaching and learning of
multiplication and division. First, it was compared with the learning outcomes for multiplication and
division in the Mathematics Curriculum12 with the math textbook‟s content for second grade. Then we
designed the action stages:
First, planning and selecting appropriate teaching/learning materials, examples and methods for
representing mathematical ideas related to multiplication and division were developed. The
mathematics learning center was designed to be an activity-based center providing the students with
many opportunities to solve different problem situations. Secondly, interpreting and evaluating the
students‟ mathematical solutions, their arguments or representations (verbal or written, drawing or
modeling), including misconceptions. Also, in this stage, we diagnosed the students achievements,
strengths and weaknesses. Because it was a practical research, after reflecting we reassessed the
activities and adapted the tasks for different student needs. Different assessment instruments were
used to collect data, including: classroom observation, interviewing, and worksheets. The research
took place during the second term, three times per week.