Provide explicit instruction in how to understand and use informative pictures if they are employed in word problem instruction¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 mixed) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 1 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The review recommends that if informative pictures are employed in instruction, explicit instruction in how to understand and take advantage of such pictures is likely needed. This follows from findings that informative pictures relate to poorer performance due to split-attention demands, and that students pay little attention to pictures they have not been explicitly taught.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Informative pictures must be accompanied by explicit instruction in their use

Constraints¶

• Based on a small number of studies (two) of informative pictures, so the recommendation rests on limited evidence

Target Learners¶

• elementary school students in grades 1 to 6

Target Learning Goals¶

• mathematical word problem-solving skills

Claims¶

• Informative pictures relate to poorer word problem-solving performance, with negative effects from g = −1.08 to −0.08 [~W]

Related Strategies¶

• Problem Solving Draw A Picture

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Terhi Vessonen, Heidi Hellstrand, Pirjo Aunio, Anu Laine. (2026). Pictures in Mathematical Word Problems: A Systematic Review on the Role of Task and Student Characteristics. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-10112-5