Modified Solve It! problem-solving intervention: four PISA-aligned phases with seven cognitive strategies and embedded metacognitive self-regulation

Design · All designs
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

The intervention aligns with the OECD/PISA problem-solving model, which "identifies four phases: (1) exploring and understanding, (2) representing and formulating, (3) planning and executing, and (4) monitoring and reflecting." Seven cognitive strategies (Read, Paraphrase, Visualize, Hypothesize, Estimate, Compute, Check) are embedded in Phases 1–3, while Phase 4 carries the metacognitive "say, ask, and check" self-regulation processes activated throughout. Instruction uses explicit teaching with cueing, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. The goal is that students internalize the cognitive processes so they become automatic.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

• Explicit instruction methodology with structured lessons, scaffolded supports, guided and distributed practice, and immediate corrective feedback
• Teacher professional development (a one and one-half day workshop) prior to implementation

Constraints

• Scope limited to single- and multistep problems using the four operations with whole numbers and decimals; open-ended problems were not included

Target Learners

• Fifth and sixth grade students of varying ability: average-achieving, low-achieving, and students with learning disabilities in inclusive math classrooms

Learning Goals

• Mathematical word problem solving: problem representation, solution planning, computation, and self-regulated monitoring

Claims

• Modified Intervention First Phase Significant Growth [+M]
• Ability Group No Moderation [+M]

Related Designs

Examples

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Key Sources

• Krawec, J., & Huang, J. (2017). Modifying a Research-Based Problem-Solving Intervention to Improve the Problem-Solving Performance of Fifth and Sixth Graders With and Without Learning Disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 50(4), 468–480. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219416645565

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	design
id	modified-solve-it-problem-solving-intervention
title	Modified Solve It! problem-solving intervention: four PISA-aligned phases with seven cognitive strategies and embedded metacognitive self-regulation
description	The intervention aligns with the OECD/PISA problem-solving model, which "identifies four phases: (1) exploring and understanding, (2) representing and formulating, (3) planning and executing, and (4) monitoring and re...
status	review
generated	by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-02
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	1 — krawec-2017

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