Saying It Aloud While Doing the Math Leads to Faster Results

January 11, 2009 

A recent study conducted by the University of Granada shows students who think aloud while doing math have better chances of solving problems--and can do them faster--than those who don't talk it through. Likewise, drawing and conjuring up pictorial representations of possible mathematical solutions also leads to a faster end game.

José Luis Villegas Castellanos (University of the Andes) and Enrique Castro Martínez and José Gutiérrez (both from the University of Granada) came to these findings by analyzing the problem-solving techniques of three final-year mathematics students at the University of Granada.

The trio of researchers noted that “representations play an essential role in mathematic thought, favor the understanding of concepts, and stimulate the development of a flexible and versatile thought in the solution of problems."

Their paper, "Representaciones en Resolución de Problemas: Un estudio de caso con problemas de optimización," appeared in Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology (April, 2009).

Source: Science News.