Enhancing mathematical problem posing competence: a meta-analysis of intervention studies

Abstract

Mathematical problem posing, generally defined as the process of interpreting given situations and formulating meaningful mathematical problems, is academically important, and thus several interventions have been used to enhance this competence among students and teachers. Yet little is known about the interventions’ various components and their relative or combined effectiveness. In this meta-analysis of 26 intervention studies in mathematics, we identified nine intervention components and found that the interventions had a medium, positive, and significant mean weighted effect size. A stepwise meta-regression analysis revealed that intervention efficacy varied by moderators relevant to the research design, sample characteristics, and intervention characteristics. The findings obtained from this meta-analysis are expected to serve as a foundation for future efforts to design and implement (more) effective interventions to improve mathematical problem posing competence.