Journal on Mathematics Education
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2023): Journal on Mathematics Education

Exploring grade 11 learners’ mathematical connections when solving two-dimensional trigonometric problems in an activity-based learning environment

Maphutha, Kgaladi (Unknown)
Maoto, Satsope (Unknown)
Mutodi, Paul (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Apr 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we explored the type of mathematical connections Grade 11 learners make when solving two-dimensional (2D) trigonometric problems in an Activity-Based Learning (ABL) environment. We followed a qualitative case study design within an interpretive paradigm. Convenience sampling was used to select a whole class of 45 Grade 11 learners from one of the public non-fee-paying secondary schools in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province of South Africa. Group work presentations and classroom interactions were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis guided by the mathematical connections’ framework. The findings indicated that learners managed to make procedural, meaning, reversibility, different representations, feature, and inclusion part whole as well as integrated connections as they worked on 2D trigonometric problems in an ABL environment. We established that learners did not make generalization part-whole connections. In addition, we found that some learners lacked mathematical connections skills and failed to solve the problems. Engaging learners in an ABL environment provided a fine-grained approach that allowed them to make mathematical connections. We, therefore, recommend that teachers should create an ABL environment to enable learners to make different types of mathematics connections during the teaching and learning of trigonometric concepts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jme

Publisher

Subject

Education Mathematics Social Sciences Other

Description

The Journal on Mathematics Education (JME) is an international electronic journal that provides a platform for publishing original research articles, systematic literature reviews (invited contributions), and short communications related to mathematics education. The whole spectrum of research in ...