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Visible Learning™
Visible Learning MetaX
Version 1.4 – Updated February 2026

Mathematics problem solving

Overview

  • Influence: Mathematics problem solving
  • Domain: Curricula
  • Sub-Domain: Math and sciences
  • Potential to Accelerate Student Achievement: Potential to considerably accelerate
  • Influence Definition: The teaching of mathematical reasoning to solve practical problems.

Evidence

  • Number of meta-analyses: 8
  • Number of studies: 280
  • Number of students: 20,395
  • Number of effects: 561
  • Weighted mean effect size: 0.79
  • Robustness index: 4

Meta-Analyses

Meta-Analyses
Journal Title Author Article Name Year Published Variable Number of Studies Number of Students Number of Effects Effect Size
IAFOR Journal of Education Sokolowski The Effects of Mathematical Modelling on Students' Achievement-Meta-Analysis of Research 2015 Visual aids in math learning 73 9,055 73 0.53
Dissertation Lein Effectiveness of Mathematical Word Problem Solving Interventions for Students with Learning Disabilities and Mathematics Difficulties: A Meta-Analysis 2016 Word problem solving interventions in math 28 NA 31 1.03
Conference paper Curbello, Gallagher, & Dawson The effects of teaching problem-solving on students' achievement in science and mathematics. 1986 Problem solving on science and math 68 10,629 343 0.54
Learning Disability Quarterly Zheng, Flynn, & Swanson Experimental Intervention Studies on Word Problem Solving and Math Disabilities A Selective Analysis of the Literature. 2013 Problem solving with math disabilities 8 NA 8 0.78
Journal of Educational Research Zhang & Xin A follow-up meta-analysis for word-problem-solving interventions for students with mathematics difficulties. 2012 Word problem solving interventions in math 39 NA 39 1.85
International Journal of Human Sciences Kaplan, Duran, Doruk, & Ozturk Effects of instruction based on realistic mathematics education on mathematics achievement: A meta-analysis study. 2015 Realistic mathematics 12 711 12 0.61
Investigations in Mathematics Learning Wang, Walkington, & Rouse A meta-analysis on the effects of problem-posing in mathematics education on performance and dispositions.  2022 Problem solving in math 21 NA 21 0.64
Journal of Educational Psychology Lein, Jitendra, & Harwell Effectiveness of mathematical word problem solving interventions for students with learning disabilities and/or mathematics difficulties: A meta-analysis. 2020 Word problem solving interventions in math 31 NA 34 0.56
TOTAL/AVERAGE 280 20,395 561 0.82
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