Perceptions on the Difficulties in Learning Transformation of Graphs in Preliminary Mathematics

Norbaiti Tukiman; Nur Intan Syafinaz Ahmad; Farah Suraya Md Nasrudin; Ng Set Foong; Aishah Mahat

Norbaiti Tukiman
Nur Intan Syafinaz Ahmad
Farah Suraya Md Nasrudin
Ng Set Foong
Aishah Mahat

Abstract

Learning mathematics is incredibly challenging due to many concepts and formulations related to each topic. Students tend to endeavour with patience and persistence while managing difficulty in learning mathematics. Many students did not understand and deserve to solve the mathematics problems, will fail on this subject or specific topic in mathematics learning. Therefore, this study aims to identify the students’ and lecturers’ perception of difficulties in preliminary mathematics learning. A dual qualitative and quantitative method have been employed to achieve the objective of the study. Through qualitative method, interview was conducted on several lecturers. Next, through quantitative method, a descriptive analytics study was used to identify the difficulties in learning transformation of graphs during online classes among students. A course named Micro-credential Functions (UMC053) from online platforms of UiTM’s micro-credential with topic transformation of graphs has been selected as a case study due to the difficulties and lower marks on the topic. Questionnaires have been distributed to both lecturers and students to investigate their perceptions in learning the specific topic and it is analysed by descriptive analysis. The results revealed graphing technique and technology usage in conducting online class (46.7%) are two key issues in learning UMC053. Based on the result, lecturers need to enhance their teaching methods to understand the students regarding the difficult topic in mathematics learning.

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