Impact of the Mathematical Modeling on Conceptual Understanding Among Student-Teachers

Abstract

The present study investigates the effect of mathematical modeling on conceptual understanding among student-teachers. Also, the study proposes relevant materials and activities in mathematical modeling. Two classes of 140 student-teachers participated in the study. Mathematical modeling instruction was used in the treatment group, while the comparison group was taught by a teacher-centered method. T-Test results showed a difference between the treatment and comparison groups in terms of conceptual understanding. Moreover, the mathematical modeling group showed improvement in the knowledge, comprehension, and application of geometry and measurement concepts. The results of this study are novel as they are introduced to student-teachers to facilitate teaching mathematics among children. The researchers suggested engaging student-teachers in rich modeling activities, which would deepen their students' mathematics learning.

Relationship Between Computational and Critical Thinking Towards Modelling Competency Among Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers

“…In line with the claim made by Goodsett and Schmillen [25] that teachers with a high level of critical thinking would be skilled at mathematical modelling, pre-service teachers in this study showed a significant relationship between critical thinking and modelling competency (RO4). This assertion is supported by the research [26], which found that students' ability to work independently was influenced by how their critical thinking skills evolved while creating mathematical models. Introducing critical thinking early in a student's higher education experience aids in their understanding of critical thinking, enhances their skills in mathematical modelling competency, and promotes a structured and fair approach to these vital concepts.…”

“…Moreover, it ensures a structured and fair approach to these essential concepts, promoting equity among students [25]. The findings of the study indicate that student's capacity for independent work was affected by the manner in which their critical thinking skills developed while they were developing mathematical models [26].…”

“…The correlation analysis in Table 9 revealed a weak but significant correlation between critical thinking and mathematical modelling (r = 0.207, p 0.014). According to Salha and Qatanani [26], r = 0.207 indicated a significant relationship between pre-service mathematics teachers' critical thinking and mathematical modelling competency. A positive correlation between two variables indicates that as the value of one variable rises, so does the value of the other.…”

Analysis of the Difficulties of Junior High School Students in Solving PISA Model Mathematics Problems

“…When working on math problems about SPLDV (Two-Variable Linear Equation System), students often get it wrong; such as not answering the question completely as to what the problems contained in the question and wrong in making mathematical modeling in problems (Rahayuningsih & Qohar, 2014). Mathematical modeling is a concept of mathematical problems to be able to solve problems correctly, therefor it is useful for developing the understanding of students' thought (Salha & Qatanani, 2021).…”