Advanced Mathematical Thinking and Students’ Mathematical Learning: Reflection from Students’ Problem-Solving in Mathematics Classroom

Wasukree Sangpom,Yanin Kongthip,Nisara Suthisung,Maitree Inprasitha

doi:10.5539/jel.v5n3p72

Abstract

<p>Mathematical teaching in Thai tertiary education still employs traditional methods of explanation and the use of rules, formulae, and theories in order for students to memorize and apply to their mathematical learning. This results in students’ inability to concretely learn, fully comprehend and understand mathematical concepts and practice. In order to overcome this learning deficit, it is necessary that the concept of “reflection” be implemented in the teaching of this subject. It is believed that the adoption of this teaching concept will allow students to learn mathematics by themselves. This article is aimed at presenting mathematical problem-solving of undergraduate students on Calculus I. Concrete problems were assigned to students to participate, to improve students’ way of mathematical thinking, and to encourage the students’ mathematical learning and advanced mathematical thinking. The study was a qualitative research project conducted with first-year undergraduate students of Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon who had enrolled for Calculus I. Data were collected from interviews and field notes, along with video recordings. Findings showed that students succeeded in solving mathematical problems from simple to complex levels and using the subject fundamentals to connect to several methods of higher levels of thinking. Students also created effective means of problem-solving and applied these concepts to solve new problems.</p>

Highlights

Nowadays, mathematics education in Thai classrooms employs traditional methods of explanation, focusing on theories and formulae
The Ministry of Education (2008) has compelled teachers to rely on student-centered learning, but in practice past education reforms in the mathematics curriculum have not been a success (Tipkong, 2002; Worawan Na Ayutthaya, 2009) and have failed to develop Thai students’ advanced thinking and problem solving skills (Worawan Na Ayutthaya, 2009)
Students developed their fundamental thinking into more complex levels of thinking

Summary

Introduction

Mathematics education in Thai classrooms employs traditional methods of explanation, focusing on theories and formulae. Teachers generally do not pay enough attention to each students’ cognitive process—a compulsory element for students to acquire in order to develop their knowledge (Ministry of Education, 2010; National Education Committee, 2000). The Ministry of Education (2008) has compelled teachers to rely on student-centered learning, but in practice past education reforms in the mathematics curriculum have not been a success (Tipkong, 2002; Worawan Na Ayutthaya, 2009) and have failed to develop Thai students’ advanced thinking and problem solving skills (Worawan Na Ayutthaya, 2009). The Ministry of Education (2010) has indicated that proper mathematics education can only be achieved when teachers realize that students’ thinking must be encouraged and successfully turn their classroom into meaningful self-learning classrooms in order that students can attain sufficient knowledge application of their subjects

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Conclusion