ERIC Number: EJ735468
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Jun
Pages: 15
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-0819
EISSN: N/A
Effects of Interspersing Rate on Student Preferences for Mathematics Assignments
Cates, Gary L.; Dalenberg, Abby E.
Journal of Behavioral Education, v14 n2 p89-103 Jun 2005
This study investigated the extent to which interspersing effects are consistent with the effects of reinforcement on predicting students' preferences for mathematics assignments. Students were exposed to 4 pairs of assignments. Each assignment pair contained a control assignment with 15 problems requiring multiplication of a three digit number by a two digit number, and an experimental assignment consisting of 15 similar multiplication problems plus additional brief one-digit by one-digit multiplication problems interspersed at four different rates (i.e., no interspersing, every other, every third, or every fifth problem) across assignment pairs. Performance data were collected for accuracy, total problem completion rate and target problem completion rate. In addition to performance data, students were asked to rate each assignment with regard to relative difficulty, time, effort to complete, and preference between assignments for homework. Results suggest that although interspersing rates do not affect accuracy, they do affect problem completion rate, and student preferences for academic assignments. Discussion focuses on interspersing rate and schedules of reinforcement with emphasis on both applied and theoretical implications.
Descriptors: Assignments, Mathematics Instruction, Reinforcement, Multiplication, Problem Solving, Mathematics Education, Numbers, Student Attitudes, Difficulty Level
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A