A Case Study of Teaching Real-world Problems Related to Exponential and Logarithmic Equations to Develop Students' Problem-solving Competency

Abstract

Today, the task of developing competencies, including the ability to solve problems for students, becomes very important. In mathematics education, teaching mathematical problems with effective content can be considered as a teaching method that brings a very positive effect on the education, training and capacity development for students. This study aimed to promote students' ability to resolve real-world problems through teaching exponential and logarithmic equations. An experimental sample consisted of 40 12th grade students at a continuing education centre in Vietnam. The primary instructional activities designed to develop these students' resolving capacities included warm-up, experience, practice, reinforcement and expansion. The data collected were attached to the student's assignments as well as worksheets and qualitatively analyzed to assess students' ability to deal with problems by components such as understanding the problem, acquiring information from practical situations; converting information from real-world situations on mathematical models; searching strategies for solving mathematical models; implementing a solution strategy to find results; and moving from results of solving mathematical models to solutions of real-world problems. Experimental results showed that students considerably increased their ability to cope with problems with logarithmic and exponential equations. Besides, concerning the spirit and learning attitude, students became active, optimistic and self-conscious in the problem-solving stages of the teaching process. Additionally, the implications of showing the relationship between mathematics and practice were drawn to emphasize the real-life applicability of the science of mathematics.