(2019)
(2019)
(2019)
(2019)
(2019)
(2019)
(2019)
(2019)
(2019)
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
(2017)
(2017)
(2017)
(2017)
(2017)
(2017)
(2017)
(2017)
(2017)
(2017)
(2016)
(2016)
Special Issue - (2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2016)
(2015)
(2015)
Special Issue - (2015)
(2015)
(2015)
(2015)
(2012)
(2012)
(2012)
Special Issue - (2012)
pp. 1709-1717 | Article Number: ijese.2017.110
Published Online: September 14, 2017
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to explore students’ error in learning trigonometry. The samples were 100 students who were final year students preparing to write the 2017 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in the Central region of Ghana. The Mathematics Achievement Tests (MAT) and Trigonometrical Diagnostic Test (TDT) were used as the instruments of this study that included two components: the use of formula and right-angled method. Diagnostic interview was also used to identify the level at which students’ errors occur in solving problems involving trigonometry. The type of errors is based on Newman Error Hierarchy Model that includes reading type error, comprehension, transformation, process skill, encoding error and carelessness. The findings of the study showed that most students make error in process skill and transformation irrespective of the method used in solving trigonometry problems. There was no error found in students’ reading skills. The number of students who made encoding error and carelessness was relatively low. The students’ error in solving trigonometry problems was due to their weaknesses in basic arithmetical operations. The implication of the study was highlighted and recommendations were made based on the findings.
Keywords: Trigonometry, process skill error, transformation error, Comprehension error
References
Brown, A.S. (2006). The trigonometric connection: students‟ understanding of sine and cosine. Proceedings 30th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, 1, 228-236. Prague.
Clements, M.A. & Ellerton, N.F. (1996).The Newman procedure for analysing errors on written mathematical tasks. Retrieved January 12, 2017, from http://compasstech.com.au/ARNOLD/ PAGES/newman.htm
Devetak, I, Glazar, S.A, & Vogrinc, J. (2010). The role of qualitative research in science education. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 6(1), 77–84.
Gur, H. (2009). Trigonometry Learning. New Horizons in Education, 57(1), 67- 80.
Hudoyo, H. (1998). Pembelajaran Matematika Menurut Pandangan Konstruktivistik. [Learning mathematics through constructivist perspectives]. Conference Paper Seminar Nasional Upaya Meningkatkan Peran Pendidikan Matematika dalam Menghadapi Era Globalisasi. PPS IKIP Malang. Indonesia.
Intanku, S.S. (2003). Diagnosis for the type of error in differentiation. Unpublished Master of Education Research Project. Malaysia: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Liew, S.T. & Wan Muhamad Saridan Wan Hasan. (1991). Understanding and minimizing difficulty in learning mathematics Berita Matematik, 38, 22-29
Maharaj, A. (2008). Some insights from research for teaching and learning mathematics. South African Journal of Education, 28, 401–414.
Ministry of Education, Science and Sports. (2010). Teaching syllabus for mathematics (Senior High School). Accra: Curriculum Research and Development Division (CRDD).
Newman, M.A. (1977). An analysis of 6th grade pupils' errors on written mathematical task. Dlm. Clements, M.A. & Foyster, J. (Eds). Research in Mathematical Education in Australia: 239-258.
Norasiah, A. (2002). Error type diagnosis in learning simultaneous equation. Unpublished Master of Education Research Project, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Orhun, N. (2010). The gap between real numbers and trigonometric relations. Quaderni di Ricerca in Didattica, 20, 175–184.
Orhun, N. (2015) Students’ Mistakes And Misconceptions On Teaching Of Trigonometry. 1st ed. Web. 14 Jan. 2015.
Peal, D. (2010). Approaches to teaching with mathematics. Connection, 1(3), 1–12.
Prakitipong, N. & Nakamura, S. (2006).Analysis of mathematics performance of Grade 5 students in Thailand using Newman procedure. Journal of International Cooperation in Education, 9(1), 111-122.
Ryan, J. (1992). Integrating computers into the teaching of calculus: differentiating student needs. In B Southwell, B Perry, & K Owens (Eds.), Proceedings of the 13thAnnual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (pp. 478–487). Richmond: University of Western Sydney.
Skane, M.E & Graeber, A.O. (1993). A conceptual change model implemented with college students: distributive law misconceptions. Third International Conference on Misconceptions in Science and Mathematics. New York: Ithaca.
Thompson, P.W., Byerley, B. & Hatfield, N. (2013). A conceptual approach to calculus made possible by technology. Computers in the schools, 30, 124–147.
Weber, K. (2005). Students‟ understanding of trigonometric functions. Mathematics Education Research Journal. 17(3), 91-112.
Zakaria, E. (2010) Analysis of Students‟ Error in Learning Quadratic Equations. International Education studies. 3(3) 105-110.