Voices of English Language Education Society
Vol 8 No 1 (2024): April 2024

Introduction English for Mathematics Course: What are the Student Difficulties and Causing Factors?

Anna Cesaria (Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat)
Edwar Kemal (Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat)
Mazlini Adnan (Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Apr 2024

Abstract

English for Mathematics is a required university course designed to bridge the gap between general English proficiency and the specific linguistic demands of mathematics. This study aims to explore the challenges students face in adapting to this specialized curriculum, aiming to deepen our understanding of the educational hurdles posed by evolving academic requirements for graduates. Employing a descriptive qualitative research design, the research examines the experiences of 35 students enrolled in the English for Mathematics course at the Mathematics Study Program of Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, revealing five principal areas of difficulty: listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, along with comprehension of mathematical content. The study identifies several factors contributing to these challenges, including limited vocabulary, inadequate prior knowledge, misinterpretations of course material, a lack of effective learning aids, and frequent writing errors. The findings suggest that these obstacles hinder student performance and impact their engagement and satisfaction with the course. The study calls for targeted interventions by educators and curriculum designers to enhance instructional methods and learning materials, thereby improving student outcomes and making learning more engaging and effective. These insights have broader implications for curriculum development and instructional strategies in specialized English education settings.

Copyrights © 2024






Journal Info

Abbrev

veles

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The journal of Voices of English Language Education Society(VELES) e-ISSN 2579-7484 aims to provide an international forum for sharing, dissemination and discussion of research, experience and perspectives across a wide range of education, teaching, development, instruction, educational projects and ...