Learning difficulties in area calculation: a case study of a Diploma in Quantity Surveying Student

Mohd Ghazali, Mohd Khairi Azhar and Nik Abdul Rahman , Nik Suryani and Abdul Rahman, Zainurin (2012) Learning difficulties in area calculation: a case study of a Diploma in Quantity Surveying Student. In: International Conference on Quality Of Teaching & Learning (ICQTL 2012), 23-24 Oct 2012, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.

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Abstract

Mathematics is a branch of knowledge that becomes the building blocks for other areas of knowledge. For example, a simple calculation of the area of a square could become into something more serious such as calculating the number of bricks needed to build a wall, which is part of quantity surveying. Although students have been exposed to the calculation of area from as early as upper primary education, some students still found that basic calculation of area as a daunting task. This problem becomes worse once the students enter into the higher level of study. Thus, by adopting a qualitative approach, this paper explored the difficulties in learning faced by a quantity surveying diploma student of a private college in area calculation using semi-structured interview questions. Three themes which were identified as the cause of the difficulties emerged, namely self – meaning of area from previous knowledge, memorization of solutions and absence of support. It is therefore suggested that mathematics educators understand mathematical solutions from the student’s point of view so as to plan for the possible corrective measures. Consequently, students would realize their mistakes, why their solutions are incorrect and hence learn from them.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Full Paper)
Additional Information:	416/29444
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Area calculation, case study, diploma student, mathematics, qualitative
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Education
Depositing User:	Zainurin Abdul Rahman
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2013 13:57
Last Modified:	11 Mar 2013 14:03
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/29444

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