Impulsing the Development of Students' Competency Related to Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning through Teaching Straight-Line Equations

Abstract

The research was carried out to develop students' ability to think and reason mathematically by teaching straight-line equations in a plane. Accordingly, teaching activities were designed according to five learning stages, which were integrated with mathematical thinking levels according to Van Hiele's model. Simultaneously, the learners' mathematical thinking and reasoning competencies were assessed according to the competency requirements specified in the Mathematics General Education Program and the levels of Van Hiele's model, the above three aspects of knowledge, skills and attitudes. The experiment involved 84 students in class 10, 44 of whom were in the experimental group, and 40 were in the control group. The research results showed that students in the experimental group achieved higher mathematical thinking and reasoning skills. Specifically, the two groups had equivalent results for the level of visualization and analysis. However, at the informal deduction and formal deduction and rigor levels, the ranking results of the two groups had a clear difference. The study group observations and students' opinion surveys also revealed that learning stages were designed according to Van Hiele's model and thought-provoking measures and visual images and language contributed to students' interest in learning and positive thinking.