0000000000880105
AUTHOR
Brikena Djepaxhija
An exploratory study of Grade 8 Albanian students' solution processes in mathemathics word problems
Masteroppgave i matematikkdidaktikk- Universitetet i Agder, 2012 This dissertation is a case study, which set out to explore Grade 8 Albanian students‟ difficulties in mathematics word problems‟ solution processes. In particular the present study explores the role of two factors, these being the context in which the problem statement is framed, and the provision of ready-made diagram that represent the components of the problem statement and the relation between them. To identify students‟ difficulties on word problems, I used Duval‟s (2006) cognitive approach. In Duval‟s (2006) theory, conversion between different registers and treatment within the same register are considered as two types…
Exploring grade 9 students' assumption making when mathematizing
International audience; Making assumptions is a key activity in modelling. The present study aims to explore the variety of assumptions that lower secondary students make in this process. As theoretical basis for the data analysis, we used the modelling cycle by Blum and Leiss (2007) and framed a definition of assumptions. The study was carried out with grade 9 students. The results show three categories of assumptions: (1) parameter assumptions, (2) assumptions for the choice of the mathematical model, and (3) assumptions about task expectations. Assumptions from the first two categories assist students to use extra-mathematical knowledge to construct a mathematical model, while the third …
Assessing Mathematizing Competences Through Multiple-Choice Tasks: Using Students’ Response Processes to Investigate Task Validity
In this chapter, we report on multiple-choice tasks for assessing mathematizing competences of grade 9 students. The task format is complex, consisting of two layers. In the first layer, students are asked to consider a holistic modelling problem. In the second layer, they are asked for an atomistic competence (making assumptions, assigning variables, etc.) related to the same modelling problem. We conducted a qualitative study to investigate the validity of these tasks based on students’ response processes. Eight students worked in pairs solving the tasks collaboratively. The results show that all students were able to handle the layered task format. They reflected meta-cognitively on the …