ERIC Number: EJ1383420
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Mar
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2327-5324
EISSN: EISSN-1941-3394
Spreadsheet Check Figures and Guided Errors for Problem-Solving Instruction
Green, Kimberly M.; Ferrell, Lantz
Journal of Instructional Pedagogies, v28 Mar 2023
Functions and formulas in spreadsheets provide an instructional opportunity to help students build their skills in identifying errors in their own work and identifying a path to go about correcting the errors. This paper provides examples of functions and equations used to create two approaches to calculating the solution to one problem, such as a weighted average calculation or a loan payment calculation. Solving the problem two ways gives students the opportunity to see why both approaches work and to reconcile them if errors cause the results to differ. Using a guided errors pedagogy, instructors can also create an error in one computational approach so that students then work to reconcile the two. This method helps build problem-solving skills and confidence in a process for persisting to resolve errors. Learning from failure and correcting errors in one's work can contribute to perceptions of self-efficacy.
Descriptors: Spreadsheets, Problem Solving, Error Patterns, Error Correction, Self Efficacy, Mathematical Formulas, Computation, Loan Repayment
Academic and Business Research Institute. 147 Medjool Trail, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081. Tel: 904-435-4330; e-mail: editorial.staff@aabri.com; Web site: http://www.aabri.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A