Perceptions on the difficulties in learning transformation of graphs in preliminary mathematics
List of Authors
  • Norbaiti Tukiman , Nur Intan Syafinaz Ahmad

Keyword
  • Perceptions, Difficulties, Transformation Of Graphs, Mathematics, Learning

Abstract
  • Learning mathematics is incredibly challenging due to many concepts and formulations related to each topic. Students tend to endeavour with patience and persistence while managing difficulty in learning mathematics. Many students did not understand and deserve to solve the mathematics problems, will fail on this subject or specific topic in mathematics learning. Therefore, this study aims to identify the students’ and lecturers’ perception of difficulties in preliminary mathematics learning. A dual qualitative and quantitative method have been employed to achieve the objective of the study. Through qualitative method, interview was conducted on several lecturers. Next, through quantitative method, a descriptive analytics study was used to identify the difficulties in learning transformation of graphs during online classes among students. A course named Micro-credential Functions (UMC053) from online platforms of UiTM’s micro-credential with topic transformation of graphs has been selected as a case study due to the difficulties and lower marks on the topic. Questionnaires have been distributed to both lecturers and students to investigate their perceptions in learning the specific topic and it is analysed by descriptive analysis. The results revealed graphing technique and technology usage in conducting online class (46.7%) are two key issues in learning UMC053. Based on the result, lecturers need to enhance their teaching methods to understand the students regarding the difficult topic in mathematics learning.

Reference
  • 1. Adam, J. and Ali, M. (2021) Students Perspective On Shifting From on-Campus to Digital Education : A qualitative study on the effects of the unexpected change from on-campus to digital education from Malmö university systems development students perspective (Thesis) Mamso Universitet https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1566020/FULLTEXT02.pdf

    2. Antwi, V., Savelsbergh, E.R., & Eijkelhof, H.M.C. (2018). Understanding Kinematics Graphs Using MBL Tools, Simulations and Graph Samples in An Interactive Engagement Context in A Ghanaian University. Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1076 012002. DOI :10.1088/1742-6596/1076/1/012002

    3. Baker, B., Trigueros, M., & Hemenway, C. (2001). On transformations of functions. In Proceedings of the Twenty-Third Annual Meeting, North American Chapter of the International Group for PME (Vol. 1, pp. 91-98).

    4. Barrot, J. S., Llenares, I. I., & Del Rosario, L. S. (2021). Students' online learning challenges during the pandemic and how they cope with them: The case of the Philippines. Education and information technologies, 26(6), 7321–7338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10589-x

    5. Day, T., Chang, I. C. C., Chung, C. K. L., Doolittle, W. E., Housel, J., & McDaniel, P. N. (2021). The immediate impact of COVID-19 on postsecondary teaching and learning. The Professional Geographer, 73(1), 1–13.

    6. Eisenberg, T., & Dreyfus, T. (1994). On understanding how students learn to visualize function transformations. Research in collegiate mathematics education, 1, 45-68.

    7. Eisenberg, T. (2002). Functions and associated learning difficulties. In Advanced mathematical thinking (pp. 140-152). Springer, Dordrecht.

    8. Felkel, P., Magana, A.J., Folta, M. Sears, A.G., & Benes, B. (2018). I3T: Using Interactive Computer Graphics to Teach Geometric Transformations.Conference on Eurographics 2018- Education paper. DOI:10.2312/eged.20181000

    9. Lage, A. E., & Gaisman, M. T. (2006). An analysis of students’ ideas about transformations of functions. Advanced Mathematical Thinking, 2, 23-30.