ERIC Number: EJ1126738
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2148-9955
EISSN: N/A
Procedural and Conceptual Difficulties with Slope: An Analysis of Students' Mistakes on Routine Tasks
Cho, Peter; Nagle, Courtney
International Journal of Research in Education and Science, v3 n1 p135-150 Win 2017
This study extends past research on students' understanding of slope by analyzing college students' mistakes on routine tasks involving slope. We conduct both quantitative and qualitative analysis of students' mistakes on common slope tasks to extract information regarding procedural proficiencies and conceptual underpinnings required in order for students to reason successfully with various slope conceptualizations described in prior research. A case study analysis of the mistakes made by two students illustrates the importance of analyzing patterns of mistakes to reveal what conceptualizations of slope a student is fluent in working with. Results from this study delineate procedural proficiencies and conceptual underpinnings related to various slope conceptualizations that can help both teachers and researchers pinpoint students' understanding and make appropriate instructional decisions to help students advance their understanding.
Descriptors: College Students, Statistical Analysis, Qualitative Research, Case Studies, Mathematics Teachers, Algebra, Calculus, Grounded Theory, Mathematics Curriculum, Mathematical Concepts, Mathematics Instruction
International Journal of Research in Education and Science. Necmettin Erbakan University, Ahmet Kelesoglu Education Faculty, Meram, Konya 42090 Turkey. e-mail: ijresoffice@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.ijres.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A