Examining the inner logic of students’ coding orientations and the internal structure of written language in math tests from Basil Bernstein's code theory

Abstract

This study uses a questionnaire survey (n = 2.098) to examine how the use of everyday language and slower-paced teaching in math instruction regulates the practice of rules of recognition and realization. The results of a Structural Equational Modelling (SEM) analysis revealed that while the recognition-realization-rules formula was confirmed, the better way to improve students’ performance in math tests was not to slow the pace of teaching but to use everyday language because the latter meaningfully linked to their context-based experiences. This means an innovative presentation of pedagogical information through either unpacking or enhanced pedagogy greatly improves their results in math tests.