Understanding mathematics: Some key factors
Mathematics is well known as a subject area where there can be problems in terms of understanding as well as retaining positive attitudes. In a large study involving 813 school students (ages approximately 10-12) drawn from two different school systems in Pakistan, the effect of limited working memo...
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doaj-742ea4ef5a59420881def80fb8b16de12020-11-25T00:51:43ZengRU PublicationsEuropean Journal of Educational Research 2165-87142165-87142012-04-011328329910.12973/eu-jer.1.3.28311967Understanding mathematics: Some key factorsAsma Amanat Ali0Norman Reid*1 University of Glasgow University of Glasgow Mathematics is well known as a subject area where there can be problems in terms of understanding as well as retaining positive attitudes. In a large study involving 813 school students (ages approximately 10-12) drawn from two different school systems in Pakistan, the effect of limited working memory capacity on performance in mathematics was explored along with a survey of areas of difficulty and student attitudes. This involved looking at student perceptions of their experiences, the nature of the difficulties they have with mathematics and possible reasons for these difficulties. The overall aim is to explore the extent of the effect of working memory and to gain insights so that practical ways forward to enhance mathematics education can be identified. It was found that limited working memory capacity has a very strong influence on performance, confirming other studies. Indeed, if the cognitive load exceeds the capacity of working memory, understanding becomes a casualty, with consequent attitude deterioration. Students need to be able to see that mathematics has a purpose in being able to be applied to real-life situations. However, attempts to develop applications may often generate further working memory overload. Curricula devised by those outside the classroom can sometimes be inappropriate while topics causing the greatest problems at these ages and include areas of geometry, statistics and the applications of mathematics. http://eu-jer.com/http://www.eu-jer.com/EU-JER_1_3_283_Ali_Etal.pdf Working memory capacity attitudes to mathematics difficulties in mathematics cognitive overload |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Asma Amanat Ali Norman Reid* |
spellingShingle |
Asma Amanat Ali Norman Reid* Understanding mathematics: Some key factors European Journal of Educational Research Working memory capacity attitudes to mathematics difficulties in mathematics cognitive overload |
author_facet |
Asma Amanat Ali Norman Reid* |
author_sort |
Asma Amanat Ali |
title |
Understanding mathematics: Some key factors |
title_short |
Understanding mathematics: Some key factors |
title_full |
Understanding mathematics: Some key factors |
title_fullStr |
Understanding mathematics: Some key factors |
title_full_unstemmed |
Understanding mathematics: Some key factors |
title_sort |
understanding mathematics: some key factors |
publisher |
RU Publications |
series |
European Journal of Educational Research |
issn |
2165-8714 2165-8714 |
publishDate |
2012-04-01 |
description |
Mathematics is well known as a subject area where there can be problems in terms of understanding as well as retaining positive attitudes. In a large study involving 813 school students (ages approximately 10-12) drawn from two different school systems in Pakistan, the effect of limited working memory capacity on performance in mathematics was explored along with a survey of areas of difficulty and student attitudes. This involved looking at student perceptions of their experiences, the nature of the difficulties they have with mathematics and possible reasons for these difficulties. The overall aim is to explore the extent of the effect of working memory and to gain insights so that practical ways forward to enhance mathematics education can be identified. It was found that limited working memory capacity has a very strong influence on performance, confirming other studies. Indeed, if the cognitive load exceeds the capacity of working memory, understanding becomes a casualty, with consequent attitude deterioration. Students need to be able to see that mathematics has a purpose in being able to be applied to real-life situations. However, attempts to develop applications may often generate further working memory overload. Curricula devised by those outside the classroom can sometimes be inappropriate while topics causing the greatest problems at these ages and include areas of geometry, statistics and the applications of mathematics. |
topic |
Working memory capacity attitudes to mathematics difficulties in mathematics cognitive overload |
url |
http://eu-jer.com/http://www.eu-jer.com/EU-JER_1_3_283_Ali_Etal.pdf |
work_keys_str_mv |
AT asmaamanatali understandingmathematicssomekeyfactors AT normanreid understandingmathematicssomekeyfactors |
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