Abstract
Mathematics word problems are one of the most challenging topics to learn and teach in secondary schools. This is especially the case in countries where English is not the first language for the majority of the people, such as in Brunei Darussalam. Researchers proclaimed that limited language proficiency and limited Mathematics strategies are the possible causes to this problem. However, whatever the reason is behind difficulties students face in solving Mathematical word problems, it is perhaps the teaching and learning of the Mathematics that need to be modified. For example, the use of four-square-and-a-diamond graphic organizer that infuses model drawing skill; and Polya’s problem solving principles, to solve Mathematical word problems may be some of the strategies that can help in improving students’ word problem solving skills. This study, through quantitative analysis found that the use of graphic organizer improved students’ performance in terms of Mathematical knowledge, Mathematical strategy and Mathematical explanation in solving word problems. Further qualitative analysis revealed that the use of graphic organizer boosted students’ confidence level and positive attitudes towards solving word problems. Keywords: Word Problems, Graphic Organizer, Algebra, Action Research, Secondary School Mathematics  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22342/jme.7.2.3546.83-90
Highlights
Abstrak Masalah kata Matematik adalah salah satu topik yang paling mencabar untuk belajar dan mengajar di sekolah menengah
With the use of graphic organizer in the learning and teaching of solving word problems in the class, students had shown a great improvement in their overall performances in terms of their Mathematical strategy, Mathematical knowledge and Mathematical explanation
It can be seen that the use of graphic organizer breaks problem into parts and organize their data
Summary
Abstrak Masalah kata Matematik adalah salah satu topik yang paling mencabar untuk belajar dan mengajar di sekolah menengah. Penggunaan four-square-and-a-diamond graphic organizer yang menerapkan kemahiran lukisan model; dan menyelesaikan masalah prinsip Polya, untuk menyelesaikan masalah kata Matematik boleh menjadi sebahagian daripada strategi yang dapat membantu dalam meningkatkan pelajar kemahiran menyelesaikan masalah kata. Melalui analisis kuantitatif mendapati bahawa penggunaan pengurusan graphic organizer meningkatkan prestasi pelajar dari segi pengetahuan Matematik, strategi Matematik dan penjelasan matematik dalam menyelesaikan masalah perkataan. Analisis kualitatif lanjut mendapati bahawa penggunaan graphic organizer meningkatkan tahap keyakinan pelajar dan sikap positif ke arah menyelesaikan masalah kata. Nayan (1998) mentioned that Brunei students frequently struggle in translating word problems into algebraic expressions. A common reaction that students in Brunei have towards word problems is that, “I can’t solve the word problems, I don’t understand” (Nayan, 1998)
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