Year 7 students’ interpretation of letters and symbols in solving routine algebraic problems

Khalid, Madihah and Yakop, Faiezah and Ibrahim, Hasniza (2020) Year 7 students’ interpretation of letters and symbols in solving routine algebraic problems. The Qualitative Report, 25 (11). , 4167-4181. ISSN 1052-0147 E-ISSN 2160-3715

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Abstract

In this study we focused on one of the recurring issues in the learning of mathematics, which is students’ errors and misconceptions in learning algebra. We investigated Year 7 students on how they manipulate and interpret letters in solving routine algebraic problems to understand their thinking process. This is a case study of qualitative nature, focusing on one pencil and paper test, observation, and in-depth interviews of students in one particular school in Brunei Darussalam. The themes that emerged from interviews based on the test showed students’ interpretation of letters categorized as “combining” - which involved the combining of numbers during addition, “equating a letter as 1” – where a letter in any algebraic expression is considered to be equal to 1, “misconception of equal sign” – where students see equal sign as taking the value or letter which is closest to the equal sign, “inconsistency with own rule” – where students made up their own misguided rules but utilize other rules for similar situation and finally, “seeing letters as an abbreviations for objects” – where students consider the letters as representing objects.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Letters and Symbols, Algebra Misconception, Students’ Errors in Algebra, Case Study, Qualitative Research
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1603 Secondary Education. High schools
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Education > Department of Curriculum & Instruction
Depositing User:	dr Madihah Khalid
Date Deposited:	30 Nov 2020 06:49
Last Modified:	22 Feb 2024 07:59
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/85538

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