An Analysis of students’ understanding of Algebraic concepts

Nur Nadira Ashyikin Muhammad Fuad Tiew

QR Code Link :
Type :	article
Subject :	LB Theory and practice of education QA Mathematics
Main Author :	Nur Nadira Ashyikin Muhammad Fuad Tiew
Additional Authors :	Teoh, Sian Hoon Parmjit Singh Aperapar Singh Sikky El Walida Surya Sari Faradiba
Title :	An Analysis of students’ understanding of Algebraic concepts

Place of Production :	Tanjong Malim
Publisher :	Fakulti Sains dan Matematik
Year of Publication :	2023
Corporate Name :	Perpustakaan Tuanku Bainun

Abstract : Perpustakaan Tuanku Bainun

Teaching algebraic topics needs more exceptional efforts to make connections among the topics. Prior research has emphasised students' accomplishments in specific subject areas, but there is a deficiency in analysing students' skills in a few related subject areas. This study seeks to determine the extent to which students comprehend the relationship between the topics. A paper-and-pencil examination was administered to 102 pupils from two private secondary schools in Malaysia using a case study. Five respondents were selected to be interviewed regarding their understanding of these topics. This study revealed the efforts made by students to improve their understanding of algebra. A comparison was made between their algebraic knowledge as it pertained to quadratic equations, inequalities, and graphs. Their limited understanding of graphical knowledge in comparison to quadratic equations and inequations influences the decision of the necessary steps for the fundamental components of quadratic mathematics. As there are connections between the topics, this study suggests that students can bridge gaps between their current algebraic knowledge and their graphic comprehension of quadratic functions, equations, and inequalities through discourse and interactive activities. Keywords: algebra, quadratic equations, quadratic inequalities, quadratic graphs, students’ understanding.

References

Adnan, M. et al. (2018) ‘Pembinaan item kemahiran berfikir aras tinggi Matematik Tingkatan Satu untuk topik Pecahan’, Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Dan Matematik Malaysia, 8(1), pp. 46–54. https://doi.org/10.37134/jpsmm.vol8.1.4.2018.

Aziz, T. A., Pramudiani, P., Purnomo, Y. W., Hamka, D., Tanah Merdeka, J., Rebo, P., & Timur, J. (2018). Differences between quadratic equations and functions: Indonesian pre-service secondary mathematics teachers’ views. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 948(1), 012043. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/948/1/012043

Baiduri, B. (2020). Students’ strategy in connecting fractions, decimal, and percent in solving visual form problems. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(11), 5361–5366. https://doi.org/10.13189/UJER.2020.081138

Binkley, C. (2023). College students are still struggling with basic math. Professors blame the pandemic | AP News. https://apnews.com/article/college-math-test-help-6cca6a5e873d5aeb5e75b4f94125d48c Gagne, R. (1985). The Conditions of Learning (4th Ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

García-García, J., & Dolores-Flores, C. (2021). Pre-university students’ mathematical connections when sketching the graph of derivative and antiderivative functions. Mathematics Education Research Journal, 33(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/S13394-019-00286-X/METRICS

Grewal, A. S. (1994). Concept development in mathematics : teaching and learning of quadratic equations, inequalities and their graphs. [University of Kwazulu-Natal]. https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/handle/10413/3207

Hattikudur, S., & Alibali, M. W. (2011). The Role of Comparison in Mathematics Learning. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, 33(33).

Hoon, T. S., Singh, P., & Halim, U. K. A. (2018). Understanding of Function and Quadratic Function among Secondary School Students in Selangor. Asian Journal of University Education, 14(1). https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1207803

Jacobs Danan, J. A., & Gelman, R. (2018). The problem with percentages. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 373(1740). https://doi.org/10.1098/RSTB.2016.0519

Joshi, T. Raj. (2019). Investigating Students’ Mathematical Difficulties in Quadratic Equations at Grade Ix - Penelusuran Google [Tribhuvan University]. https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au

Kamaluddin, M., & Widjajanti, D. B. (2019). The Impact of Discovery Learning on Students’ Mathematics Learning Outcomes. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1320(1), 012038. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1320/1/012038

Kotsopoulos, D. (2007). Unravelling Student Challenges with Quadratics: A Cognitive Approach. Australian Mathematics Teacher, 63(2), 19–24.

Mainali, B. (2021). Representation in Teaching and Learning Mathematics. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 9(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.46328/IJEMST.1111

Makonye, J., & Shingirayi, M. (2014). The Obstacles Faced by the Learners in the Learning of Quadratic Inequalities. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(27), 716–725. https://doi.org/10.5901/MJSS.2014.V5N27P716 Mohd. Tajudin, N., Puteh, M., Adnan, M., Lee Abdullah, M. F. N., & Ibrahim, A. (2015). Perception and practice of teaching Mathematics in solving algebra problems. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Dan Matematik Malaysia, 5(2), 12–22. https://ejournal.upsi.edu.my/index.php/JPSMM/article/view/2148

O’Connor, B. R., & Norton, S. (2022). Exploring the challenges of learning quadratic equations and reflecting upon curriculum structure and implementation. Mathematics Education Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13394-022-00434-w

Poçan, S., Altay, B., & Yaşaroğlu, C. (2023). The Effects of Mobile Technology on Learning Performance and Motivation in Mathematics Education. Education and Information Technologies, 28(1), 683–712. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11166-6

Pape, S. J., & Tchoshanov, M. A. (2001). The role of representation(s) in developing mathematical understanding. Theory into Practice, 40(2), 118–127. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15430421TIP4002_6/ASSET//CMS/ASSET/DE3D9AF9-600E-4A33-A2CF-EE09D06B8AA4/S15430421TIP4002_6.FP.PNG

Prasad, K. S. (1970). Learning Mathematics by Discovery. Academic Voices: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 1, 31–33. https://doi.org/10.3126/AV.V1I0.5307

Rodríguez-Nieto, C. A., Font Moll, V., Borji, V., & Rodríguez-Vásquez, F. M. (2022). Mathematical connections from a networking of theories between extended theory of mathematical connections and onto-semiotic approach. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2021.1875071

Skemp, R. R. (1971). The psychology of learning mathematics. 319. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Psychology_of_Learning_Mathematics.html?hl=id&id=0y84AAAAMAAJ

Spitzer, M., Ruiz-Garcia, M., Strittmatter, Y., & Moeller, K. (2023). On the difficulty of rational number formats. PsyArXiv Preprints. https://doi.org/10.31234/OSF.IO/7QEBN

Star, J. R., Foegen, A., Larson, M. R., McCallum, W. G., Porath, J., & Zbiek, R. (2019). Teaching strategies for improving algebra knowledge in middle and high school students (NCEE 2015-4010). U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. https://www.education.ne.gov

Tsamir, P., & Almog, N. (2001). Students’ strategies and difficulties: the case of algebraic inequalities. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 32(4), 513–524. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207390110038277

Vedran, K., Škrinjarić, T., Vedran, K., & Škrinjarić, T. (2019). A note on the turning point for the quadratic trend. Croatian Review of Economic, Business and Social Statistics, 5(2), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.2478/CREBSS-2019-0010

This material may be protected under Copyright Act which governs the making of photocopies or reproductions of copyrighted materials.
You may use the digitized material for private study, scholarship, or research.

Back to previous page