Magister Educationis - MEd (Mathematics and Science Education)

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https://hdl.handle.net/10566/15446

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Browsing by Author "Govender, Rajendran"

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    An analysis of mathematical modelling competencies of grade 11 learners in solving word problems involving quadratic equations
    (University of Western Cape, 2021) Dizha, Memory; Govender, Rajendran
    This study analysed the modelling competencies of grade 11 learners and also explored the degree to which the learners’ competency in setting up a mathematical model inhibits the development of an acceptable solution for word problems. The research data comprised 30 learners drawn from a secondary school in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Data was collected via a task-based activity response sheet containing five word problems linked to either one of the following concepts: rectangle, two-digit number, average speed and petrol price. Learners’ responses were graded into four categories viz: correct, partially correct, incorrect and no response. Thereafter, the modelling competency framework was used to diagnose the modelling competencies of the sampled learners.
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    Exploring Grade 9 Mathematics learners learning of congruency based proofs in geometry via a web-based learning system
    (University of the Western Cape, 2022) Chetty, Taariq; Govender, Rajendran
    Globally, research and evaluation reports show that students are not learning congruency-based proofs, as part of the Geometry section of mathematics, efficiently. One identifier of student understanding related to geometry is the teacher’s method of instruction. In order to attain success in mathematics the understanding of proofs and writing of proofs are of utmost importance. In this regard, web-based learning could be used in school mathematics to enhance activities involving “proof”. Proofs are the heart of mathematics and digital resources may be used to teach learners effectively, starting from primary school level.
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    The impact of using technology through cooperative learning on learners’ performance on grade 11 circle geometry
    (University of the Western Cape, 2019) Shonhiwa, William; Govender, Rajendran
    Euclidean geometry was recently re-introduced as a compulsory topic in the Mathematics Curriculum for learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) band in 2012. The diagnostic analysis reports on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Mathematics Paper 2 examinations since 2014 has repeatedly expressed concern of the poor performance of learners in proof and reasoning items linked to circle geometry. Various efforts have been made to examine the composition of the curriculum to find ways of motivating learners in the study of circle geometry and enhancing their performance but not much has been realized. The use of technology or cooperative learning approaches for the teaching of geometry is beneficial for pedagogical purposes, particularly for improving learners’ performance in geometry
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    The impact of using technology through cooperative learning on learners’ performance on grade 11 circle geometry
    (University of the Western Cape, 2019) Shonhiwa, William; Govender, Rajendran
    Euclidean geometry was recently re-introduced as a compulsory topic in the Mathematics Curriculum for learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) band in 2012. The diagnostic analysis reports on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Mathematics Paper 2 examinations since 2014 has repeatedly expressed concern of the poor performance of leaners in proof and reasoning items linked to circle geometry. Various efforts have been made to examine the composition of the curriculum to find ways of motivating learners in the study of circle geometry and enhancing their performance but not much has been realized. The use of technology or cooperative learning approaches for the teaching of geometry is beneficial for pedagogical purposes, particularly for improving learners’ performance in geometry. Hence, this study investigated the impact of using technology through cooperative learning on learners’ performance on grade circle 11 geometry. It was thus an attempt to focus on blending these two teaching methods with an emphasis on the use of technology. The research took place at a Khayelitsha school and the scope of technology was limited to using a mathematical computer programme called Heymath. This research was grounded on the cognitive level framework that is used by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in the setting of National Senior examination mathematics papers, as well as the set of social constructivist views of mathematics teaching and learning. In the case of the latter, both social constructivism and cognitive constructivism views were considered and applied for the purposes of this study. Using a positivist paradigm, this convergent parallel mixed methods study employed a quasi-empirical design, where the control group consisted of a group 26 grade 11 learners who were comparable to the group of 27 grade learners that made up the experimental group. Initially, data was collected from both the experimental and control groups via a geometry pre-test. Then the experimental group (E) was taught circle geometry using technology in the context of cooperative learning while the control group (C) was taught using conventional methods. Thereafter data was collected via a geometry post- test from both groups. Finally, the experimental group completed a questionnaire designed to ascertain the extent to which learners exhibit changes in motivation when answering grade 11 circle geometry questions when afforded the use of technology within a cooperative learning environment.
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    An investigation of strategies used by grade 4 learners to solve measurement type word problems
    (University of the Western Cape, 2022) Rawoot, Shabbeer; Govender, Rajendran
    The aim of this study was to investigate and highlight the problem-solving strategies used by grade 4 learners when solving measurement word problems. Furthermore, it aimed at revealing how learners go about using these strategies to arrive at meaningful solutions. The findings of this study would strengthen the argument that our current curriculum needs to place greater emphasis on problem solving. It would also enhance the claim that learners need to be exposed to a greater variety of problem-solving strategies to allow them to select the most suitable strategies when solving word problems. The study used a case study research design and a mixed methods approach was adopted. The sample of the study was a class of 42 grade 4 learners at a primary school in Cape Town.