An investigation of learners’ errors and misconceptions on operations with directed numbers at form one level
- Author
- Mutsenu, F.
- Title
- An investigation of learners’ errors and misconceptions on operations with directed numbers at form one level
- Abstract
- This study aims to investigate the common errors and misconceptions made by form one learners when performing operations with directed numbers. The research utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather and analyse data, including tasks, questionnaires and interviews conducted on 32 learners and 3 teachers from one school. The findings revealed that learners commonly struggled with addition and subtracting integers, often demonstrating misconceptions related to zero, number lines and the rules of operations. The study identified several error patterns, including “strategic errors”, “calculation errors”, “misconception (direct translation error)”, “conceptual errors” and “procedural errors”. The results suggest that learner’s difficulties with directed numbers largely attributed to inadequate understanding of fundamental concepts and insufficient practice. The study recommends that teachers emphasize conceptual understanding and provide opportunities for learners to engage in meaningful practice to overcome these challenges.
- Date
- 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- learners’ errors
- directed numbers
- Supervisor
- Dr T. Mutambara
- Media
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MUTSENU FRANK