Grade-Level Differences in Vocabulary Used in Elementary Math Word Problems ―Based on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test（ JLPT） and Textbook Data―

小学校算数文章題における語彙の学年差とその分析―日本語能力試験（JLPT）と教科書データを基にして―

Grade-Level Differences in Vocabulary Used in Elementary Math Word Problems ―Based on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test（ JLPT） and Textbook Data―

For this study text mining was conducted on commercially available math workbooks to compare vocabulary used in arithmetic word problems for lower elementary grades (Grades 1-2) and Grade 6. Analysis based on JLPT levels and textbook frequency showed that lower-grade problems mainly contained everyday vocabulary, whereas about 40% of Grade 6 vocabulary corresponded to N2–N3 levels, including abstract and subject-specific terms such as ratio, area, and relationship. These linguistic demands may hinder comprehension not only for non-Japanese students but also Japanese. The findings highlight the need for vocabulary support aligned with students’ Japanese proficiency in understanding math word problems for all students.

Creators SUGIMURA Tomomi

[EISSN]2189-4825