Design Mathematical Activity in Mathematics Classroom: Decimal Number

Abstract

The research was aimed to investigate six-lesson study team members in designing mathematical activities to develop students’ mathematization using Open Approach in the second step of the Lesson Study process in teaching decimal numbers. A total of 16 Grade 4 students participated as the target group. Three instruments were used namely lesson plans, student worksheets, and observation field notes. Researchers employed ethnographic research design to study how the mathematical activities could assist students to develop their mathematical ideas from the real world to the mathematical world through a flow of lessons over the four stages of the Open Approach along with the Lesson Study process. The research results revealed that a series of five research lesson plans encompassing various mathematical activities were successfully encouraging students to elaborate their ideas and transmitting their ideas from the real-world to the mathematical world using semi-concrete aids. Moreover, the results of using the Open Approach have been proved to be relevant as students demonstrated their mathematization in fostering their mathematical thinking to transform their ideas smoothly. Therefore, designing mathematical activities is important to cultivate students’ mathematical thinking in problem-solving instantaneously. A limitation of the research was identified when the Lesson Study team members were reflecting on the teaching practice. This is because they found that the unclear illustration in the student worksheets has raised confusion. In conclusion, the overall results of this research have contributed significantly to our recognition of the practicality of Open Approach treatment in the Lesson Study process in developing students’ mathematization through their participation in mathematical activities.