An Investigation on the errors and misconceptions made by learners in addition and subtraction of directed numbers at Seke 2 high school
- Author
- Nzirawa, Miriam
- Title
- An Investigation on the errors and misconceptions made by learners in addition and subtraction of directed numbers at Seke 2 high school
- Abstract
- The high failure rate in Mathematics at Ordinary Level is a cause for concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by form 1 students in learning directed numbers. The research was a case study of Seke 2 High School in Chitungwiza District in Harare Province. The study adopted the descriptive research design which affords the researcher the chance to use questionnaires for data collection to provide primary data. The target populations consisted of eight mathematics teachers and learners in form 1, all taken from Seke 2 high School. The sample group, which was accessed through the random sampling technique, consisted of thirty form 1 students. The collected data was presented through the effective use of frequency table and a pie chart before it was analyzed. The study established that directed numbers are a difficult topic which poses problems to both teachers and pupils in the mathematics syllabus. The most challenging aspects of the topic were those operations involving negative numbers. Key findings reveal that procedural errors, conceptual misunderstandings, and misapplications of mathematical properties are prevalent among learners. Specifically, students frequently misinterpret the rules for adding and subtracting negative numbers and struggle to visualize operations on a number line. The main cause of errors and misconceptions is superficial understanding, which was most probably due to teachers rushing to complete the extensive syllabus, and consequently, students resorted to memorizing rules because of surface understanding. Teaching episodes were found to lack multiple-representation, creativity, as well as cooperative learning and active learning. The study contributes to existing literature on mathematical errors and misconceptions, providing valuable insights for educators and curriculum developers.
- Date
- November 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Directed Numbers
- Addition and Subtraction
- Seke 2 High School
- Supervisor
- Dr. Mutambara
- Item sets
- Department of Educational Foundations
- Media
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Nzirawa, Miriam.pdf