Curtin University Homepage
  • Library
  • Help
    • Admin

    espace - Curtin’s institutional repository

    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.
    View Item 
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Theses
    • View Item
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Theses
    • View Item

    The influence of multiple representations on the learning of calculus by ESL students

    13544_Bridson, D 2002.pdf (9.333Mb)
    Access Status
    Open access
    Authors
    Bridson, David J.
    Date
    2002
    Supervisor
    Prof. John Malone
    Prof. Barry J. Fisher
    Type
    Thesis
    Award
    ScEdD
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    School
    Science and Mathematics Education Centre
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/2624
    Collection
    • Curtin Theses
    Abstract

    The goals of this study were to research the learning difficulties among a group of four pre-university introductory calculus students who were mainly international students studying English as a Second Language (M). The intention was to create a constructivist-style classroom environment in order to determine if it could improve students` knowledge about the use and management of multiple representations (that is, graphical, rum~ symbolic, pictorial, linguistic or diagrammatic approaches for problem representation), increase their classroom communication as a means to improving ability in the modelling of calculus word problems, and to develop, implement and evaluate a teaching package that encouraged the use of multiple representations as a means of improving conceptual understanding. The achievement of these goals was sought by means of the development, implementation and evaluation of a number of calculus extended tasks that encouraged the use of multiple representations. These activities facilitated the compilation of a menu of approaches to the solution of mathematical problems, while the longitudinal nature of the study allowed for the monitoring of student changes in their preferred approach. A traditional calculus curriculum was used for the study, but the instructional emphasis was based more on students' understanding of concepts in a classroom environment utilising a constructivist approach rather than on their memorising computational techniques. Reading, writing, and discussion were emphasised m small group settings to develop language skills and to foster an appreciation of the alternative solution strategies of individual students.The study was conducted at an International College north of Perth in Western Australia, and the majority of students in the sample were from Non-English-Speaking-Backgrounds (NESB). A range of methods was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data in order to increase the credibility of the research. These methods included audio recordings of structured task-based interviews with each of the four students in the sample; teacher analysis of student worksheets; my classroom observations; the analysis of alternative student conceptions on assessment tasks obtained through post-test interviews, and my personal reflections. Quality controls were employed to ensure the credibility of the data collected. As classroom teacher and principal researcher, it was possible for me to treat each of the four students involved as an individual case study. Descriptive questionnaires were used in order to gain information regarding the course and the use of graphics calculators. The results are applicable to ESL introductory calculus students only, and the nature of the sample implies a number of study limitations detailed in Chapter Five. There was extensive evidence of the benefits of the use of a multi-representational mode and evidence also of the benefits of encouraging the use of a diversity of modes of classroom instruction. Outcomes of the study were qualified by the difficulties ESL students face in coordinating conflicting information and interpreting the language demands of problem presentation. It is expected that this study will assist m extending the knowledge and understanding of the learning difficulties faced by ESL students in the am of pre-university calculus.Results of this study suggest that instructional material has an important influence on ESL students’ use and management of multiple representations. However, there are often limitations to the influence of the material due to student preferences, mathematical ability and firmly held beliefs as well as on the amount of detail presented in a problem Secondly, small group learning environments based on a constructivist approach were found to influence student ability to model calculus word problems in a positive manner, provided there is teacher support to overcome cognitive obstacles. Finally, it was established that an effective teaching package could be developed to assist ESL students in calculus learning. The teaching package's evaluation highlighted the need for matching language use in problem presentation with the current mathematical language register of each student.

    Related items

    Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.

    • Secondary students' understanding of the gene concept : an analysis of conceptual change from multiple perspectives.
      Venville, Grady J. (1997)
      A journey into the past century of genetics history reveals transformations of the concept of the gene through notions of discrete units that obeyed Mendelian laws to the modem bewildering gene concept. We can no longer ...
    • An interpretive study of the role of teacher beliefs in the implementation of constructivist theory in a secondary school mathematics classroom
      Taylor, Peter C. (1992)
      This thesis addresses the internationally recognised problem of transforming classroom teaching that is underpinned by transmissionist epistemologies, especially in the field of mathematics education. A constructivist-related ...
    • Effective online learning experiences: exploring potential relationships between Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) learning environments and adult learners’ motivation, multiple intelligences, and learning styles
      Scott, Donald E. (2009)
      This study was a 360 degree exploration of the effectiveness of online learning experiences facilitated via Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) by incorporating the insights afforded by students, their lecturers, and the ...
    Advanced search

    Browse

    Communities & CollectionsIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument TypeThis CollectionIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument Type

    My Account

    Admin

    Statistics

    Most Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors

    Follow Curtin

    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 

    CRICOS Provider Code: 00301JABN: 99 143 842 569TEQSA: PRV12158

    Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy statement | Accessibility

    Curtin would like to pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the Perth campus is located, the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation; and on our Kalgoorlie campus, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields.