...CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES Mathematics Anxiety For as long as there are people on earth, mathematics is here to stay and mathematics anxiety is something people must learn to deal with (Pinno, 1996). Tobias describes math anxiety as a feeling of sudden death as “an obsession with the idea that everyone knows that i don’t understand; I’d better not draw attention to myself by asking serious math avoidance and math phobia (Tobias, 1978). Math anxiety usually arises from a lack of confidence when working on mathematical situations. Math anxiety is defined in a variety of ways. Richardson and Suinn(1972)suggests that mathematics anxiety involves feelings of tension and anxiety that interfere with the manipulation of numbers and the solving of mathematical problems in a wide variety of ordinary life and academic equations. Hodges (1983) differentiates between math anxiety and mathopobia. She believes that failure in mathematics leads to frustration, and the students then develop “math anxiety.” the result is a not too-common illness: mathopobia. A succinct description of math anxiety, which will be used interchangeably in this research, is that it is both emotional and cognitive dread of mathematics (Hodges, 1983 Reyes 1980; Seguin 1984; Tobias, 1976, 1978). Causes of Math Anxiety Miller (1997) points out that math anxiety usually comes from negative experiences in working with teachers, tutors, classmates, parents or siblings. At other times...
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...The product of twenty multiplied by thirty-four squared is 23,120. Something so simple instantly made complicated just by adding another step. The possibilities of what can be added to any math problem is just absolutely astounding to me. Every math problem I have ever encountered seemed great and challenging. What a thrill, right? You might be wondering why does she think math is so entertaining, is she crazy? Basically, I have had an interesting experience with math, had great knowledge of math, and had been thought to be a good candidate for being in the math field, which has led to my love of math. Of all experiences I have had with mathematics, one I am quite fond of is when I got the highest score in the class, and got everyone’s test...
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...INFLUENCE OF TEST ANXIETY AND SELF EFFICACY ON MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KANDUYI DIVISION OF BUNGOMA DISTRICT By Simiyu, Marango G. Moses E55/5150/2003 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION OF KENYATTA UNIVERSITY. OCTOBER, 2010. DECLARATION “This thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other University.” Signature _______________ Date Name: Simiyu, Marango G. Moses________ E55/5150/2003 Supervisors: “we confirm that the work reported in this thesis was carried out by the candidate under our supervision as university supervisors. Supervisors: Signature: 1 _______________ Date____________ Prof. Fredrick Moses Okatcha Educational Psychology Department 2 _________________ Prof. Haniel N. Gatumu Educational Psychology Department Date____________ ii DEDICATION To my dear wife Maria and our children, Maureen, Valerie, Bramuel and Gideon. Your support, love and understanding remain a strong inspiration to move on. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Am indebted to acknowledge the invaluable support accorded to me during the period of study by my supervisors Prof. F.M Okatcha and Prof.H.N Gatumu of Kenyatta University. I would also like to appreciate the assistance of Dr. Kwena, Dr.Mweru and Dr.Mugambi of Educational Psychology department for their constructive criticism of this work. I thank Dr. John Wesonga and Mrs...
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...CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION This study presents the background of the study, the statement of the problem, the significance of the study, and the scope and delimitation of the study. Background of the Study In a globalized economy with a high degree of competition among countries, the success of a nation depends on the educational level of its workforce. Governments should work to ensure that all citizens receive the technological training and experience necessary to participate in the global economy. Education reform is essential to provide learners with what are commonly called 21st century skills — those competencies and values needed to become responsible citizens in a learning society and sustain employability throughout life in a knowledge economy. Thus, the researcher decided to formulate this research to provide our educational system one of the devices that will make a difference in the manner of teaching. In classrooms, technology can be a powerful catalyst for pedagogical change, as students use technology to take a more active role in personalizing their own education, and teachers take on new roles as facilitators of knowledge rather than knowledge transmitters. Our educational system as well as the curriculum has gone through many different changes and development. As defined, development is the systematic use of scientific and technical knowledge to meet specific objectives or requirements. It is the process of adding improvements to a theoretical or practical...
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...connections between language, symbols, pictures and real-life situations. This statement comes as a support for the idea that language effects the ability to solve mathematical problems. Further, Euclid (1956; 46) indicates that "Just as procedural mathematics courses tend to focus on plug and chug with an emphasis on symbolic manipulation, so conceptual mathematics courses focus on proof and argument with an emphasis on correct, clear, and concise expression of ideas. This is a difficult but crucial leap for students to make in transitioning from rudimentary to advanced mathematical thinking. At this stage, the classical tritium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric becomes an essential ally. It is shown in this statement how important language accuracy and constant development of language...
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...Standardized Tests Keisha Rucker English 102 11/11/2012 Rachel Hawley Standardized Tests What is Standardized Tests? Standardized Tests is a test that is administered and scored in a consistent or standard manner. Some different types of standardized tests are SAT, ACT, and ISAT. These different tests are biased in the public school system across the United States. Standardized test take up a lot of student’s energy, adds a lot of stress, and takes away from their creativity and social life. Standardized tests are just one measure of performance in a Student’s portfolio, according to education commissioner Peter McWalters (Jordan, 2005). WASHINGTON, D.C., Standardized tests are "like a lock on the mind, a guard at the factory gate," the executive director of the National Education Association said today, noting that "the only real beneficiaries, aside from the test marketers themselves, are insecure school managers striving for comfort in their relations with school boards, legislators, and governors”( Standardized tests, 1976). Critics have demonstrated that many standardized test are biased because their questions tap a set of knowledge and skills more likely to be possessed by children from a privileged background (Kohn, 2000). Most tests are written by people who don’t have any experience teaching students. Students from different cultures may lace higher importance on different skills. They may be stronger or weaker in areas tested compared to other students of...
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...Published: Wednesday April 2, 2014 MYT 12:20:00 PM Updated: Wednesday April 2, 2014 MYT 1:32:48 PM Malaysian students are poor problem solvers, survey says BY PATRICK LEE Email Facebook 1K PETALING JAYA: When it comes to problem-solving, Malaysian 15year-olds are among of the world’s poorest, a survey by Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has determined. The 2012 survey conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that more than one in five Malaysian students could not even reach basic levels of problem solving. Malaysia came in at 39th with a mean score of 422 points among the 44 countries surveyed. In comparison, Singapore topped the list of countries with 562 points. Malaysia’s score also put it below the OECD average of 500 points. The survey divided problem solving proficiency into six levels, with Level 6 being the highest and Level 1 being the lowest, though it was added that there was a level below Level 1. “... and in Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, Montenegro, Malaysia, Brazil and Israel, more than one in five students do not reach this level (Level 1),” the report said. The PISA 2012 report said students proficient at Level 1 can only explore problems given to them in a limited manner. “In general, students at Level 1 can solve straightforward problems provided there is only a simple condition to be satisfied and there are only one or two steps to be performed to reach that goal.” According to the...
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...precise and accurate measuring tool to this cognitive ability. The closest measuring tool we have in our modern day era is the use of standardized exams and grade point averaging to try to figure out just how educated and learned the students in today’s world are. Measuring education in this modern school system is mainly based on end of the year final exams and standardized measuring numbers such as grade point averages and SAT scores. Although these exams and numbers do give a roughly good measurement of a certain student’s education level, it doesn’t necessarily mean that said student is as smart as those scores, which is the true wanted result to measure of these tests. These tests do require a certain level of cognitive ability, but there are other situations that can be factored in to take away the validity of these tests to a certain degree. For example, if a student studies solely for the SAT since the beginning of their high school career, they will most likely post a score that puts them well into the high upper percentile of the nation. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean he/she is the same percentile in cognitive ability in the nation. Not that there is any wrong doing in studying for the SAT for that lengthy period of time, but it shouldn’t such a solid truth type of test to measure how smart someone really is. Of course, in some cases the SAT can be an accurate measurement of a student’s cognitive ability because a student may actually be smart in all those areas...
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...An Action Research The Effect of Computer-based Mathematics on Problem Solving Contact Information: Daisy T. Emanuel 3rd Grade Teacher Sadie Tillis 1 Contents Chapter 1: An Overview…………………………………………………….3 Chapter 2: Introduction……………………………………………………...4 Chapter 3: Literature Review ...……………………………………………..5 Chapter 4: Description of Research Method………………………………...9 Chapter 5: Results…………………………………………………………...8 Chapter 6: Discussion………………………………………………………14 Chapter 7: Conclusion……………………………………………………...15 References………………………………………………………………….16 2 Chapter 1... Overview ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of computer-based mathematics curriculum on problem solving and the students’ attitudes toward computer-based mathematics. Participants will be my 3rd grade students who will receive 2 hours weekly computer-guided math instruction along with their regular Math Investigations. The computer program that will be used in this study is Edutest. Edutest is a computer program that focuses on problem solving strategies, geometry, number sense, logic patterns, measurement, probability, and word problems that are in line with the district standards. The students will work independently on the computer with computer-guided instruction. During the study, students will take a pre test and posttest as well as on-going daily instruction in mathematics along with teacher made assessment tests in mathematics to measure their achievement levels. I will also take an...
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...Title Author(s) Source Published by Working with logarithms: students' misconceptions and errors Chua Boon Liang and Eric Wood The Mathematics Educator, 8(2),53-70 Association of Mathematics Educators This document may be used for private study or research purpose only. This document or any part of it may not be duplicated and/or distributed without permission of the copyright owner. The Singapore Copyright Act applies to the use of this document. The Mathematics Educator 2005, Vol. 8. N0.2. 53-70 Working with Logarithms: Students' Misconceptions and Errors Chua Boon Liang and Eric Wood National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University Abstract: This study examines secondary school students' understandings and misconceptions when working with logarithms using a specially designed test instrument administered to 81 students in two Singapore schools. Questions were classified by cognitive level. The data were analysed to uncover the kinds of errors made and their possible causes. Students appear capable of doing routine calculations but less capable when answering questions which require higher levels of cognitive thinking. In addition, many errors are not due to lack of knowledge but appear to be based on over-generalisation of algebraic rules. Suggestions for practice based on these findings are provided. Introduction Anecdotal evidence from teachers and colleagues over the years has consistently confirmed that teaching logarithms in secondary school...
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...The Effect of Classical Music on the Reading Comprehension of Iranian Students Nasser Rashidi Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran Email: Nrashidi@rose.shirazu.ac.ir Farman Faham Shiraz University, Iran Abstract—The influence of music on language learning and performance has been the subject of study for many years. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of classical music (Mozart Sonata) on the reading comprehension performance of two groups of Iranian students in an English institute in Iran. To this end, the study compared two groups of Iranian English students (N=60) over a period of three months: one was taught reading comprehension with a music background and the other with no music background whatsoever. The results of the study showed a significant difference between the performance of the group exposed to music and the performance of the other group not exposed to music. The group taught reading comprehension with a music background outperformed the other taught it with no music background. Index Terms—reading comprehension, music, background music, classical music, Mozart sonata I. INTRODUCTION The use of music as a tool by language teachers to teach foreign languages has been the center of attention to researchers for many years. That is why in the literature we can see different, but mostly positive comments concerning the effectiveness of music in language learning and performance. It has been stated that music can contribute to...
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...Using Student Self-Reflections to Improve Student Study Habits in the Mathematics Classroom A Capstone Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Teaching: Mathematics Nancy Daly Department of Mathematics and Computer Science College of Arts and Sciences Graduate School Minot State University Minot, North Dakota Summer 2011 ii This capstone project was submitted by Nancy Daly Graduate Committee: Dr. Laurie Geller, Chairperson Dr. Cheryl Nilsen Dr. Rebecca Anhorn Dean of Graduate School Dr. Linda Cresap Date of defense: Month day, year iii Abstract Type the abstract here. Do not indent. It should be one block paragraph. The abstract is a summary of your paper. iv Acknowledgements Type your acknowledgements here. Indent each paragraph 0.5 inch. You can thank whomever you choose. v Table of Contents Page Abstract .................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ iv List of Tables ....................................................................................................... viii List of Figures ........................................................................................................ ix Chapter One: Introduction ................................................................
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...Chapter I Introduction Background of the Study This study was conducted by the Fourth Year student of Aklan State University taking up Bachelor of Elementary Education to determine that one of the factors that affect pupil’s performance is the pupils Study Skills or their Poor Study Habits. Good education in Mathematics is important because of its usefulness in different careers. Since mathematics deals with accuracy and precise thinking, pupils must be able to understand the basics. Student’s performance toward mathematics can contribute to better results in Mathematics; hence poor performance such as poor study habits, and poor study skills resulted to attribute such difficulty to this subject. Difficulty in this subject somehow depends in how individual study skills were use. Difficulty also exists because they easily forget their previous lesson that shows they lack the will to study. It is important to learn how to think about and understand math problems thoroughly. Math study skills can help you learn the mathematical concepts, skills, and principles that is important to other parts of your life. Additionally, math study skills are tools that can serve you well in college, work, and other learning situations. The SQ3R method has been proven to sharpen study skills. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. SQ3R is an abbreviation to help you remember the steps and to make references to it simpler. The symbols stand for the steps followed in using...
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...1. Project Title: Strategic Intervention Material: Improving the level of Academic Performance of Grade 8 Students 2. Proponents: Ronaldo Z. Ongotan, Joanne C. Collantes, Mark Anthony L. Esparza, Jennifer D. Ramos, Edralin Aban, Racel Santiañez, and Richard F. Lacquin MAEd, Students 3. Project Duration: June 2014 – March 2015 4. Project Location: Masbate National Comprehensive High School CHAPTER 1 Introduction Despite the fact that students have many difficulties in Mathematics, Factoring Polynomials is one of the least mastered skills for the students. They are confused and didn't know which appropriate method should be used. The proponent wondered if the academic performance of the students will improve through the use of Strategic Intervention Material (SIM) in the topic, Factoring Polynomials in Mathematics Grade 8. This tool of teaching, if properly done, has been proven to encourage students to understand more of the lesson independently and with less teachers’ guidance. The proponent also patterned the activities from the K to 12 curriculum while transforming the learning process into an enjoyable reading, problem solving experience and make an impact to their academic performance. Review of Related Literature Intervention has become an important way for teachers to ensure that all students succeed in today’s high stakes testing environment. Intervention is needed by those low performing students who find it hard to cope-up...
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...CLAT 2013- The Countdown begins The countdown for the Common Law Admission test (CLAT 2013) has begun. With less than 50 days left for CLAT, which is the stepping stone for the National Law Universities across the country, the anxiety amongst the students is rising. Gyan Central caught up with Saiyed Anzar Abbas, founder of CLATapult, one of the premier coaching institutes for CLAT, to ask him about his views and tips for students appearing in CLAT 2013. GC- Congratulations Anzar for the immense success of your brainchild-CLATpult. Anzar- Thank you very much. This success is mainly attributed to the dedication and support of all my friends and well wishers. The true success of CLATapult shall be reflected in the CLAT 2013 results in which I am confident that the students of CLATapult would pass with flying colors. GC- The first question which comes to the mind of any student who is contemplating to start preparation for CLAT 2013 is whether 50 days is an adequate time period for preparation for CLAT. Anzar- CLAT, unlike other exams like the IIT-JEE or AIEEE, is not an examination which requires dedicated study for a period of years together. CLAT requires dedicated study for a shorter duration as compared to other examinations. Though 50 days is a very short time period, it still is not inadequate for the preparation for CLAT. 50 days of immense hard work, dedication and sincerity is enough to guarantee a student to crack CLAT 2013. GC- With the board examinations going...
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