Exploring the factors that affect academic achievement in grade 6 mathematics classrooms : a case of solving word problems
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Authors
Kunene, Nothile Abrijard Tivelele
Issue Date
2014-11-28
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Mathematics achievement , Academic performance , Grade 6 learners , Teaching strategies , Learners’ background factors , Teaching factors , Solving word problems , Word problems task , Learners’ errors , Assessment , Problem solving , Learners’ difficulties
Alternative Title
Exploring the factors that affect academic achievement in grade six mathematics classrooms
Abstract
The study explored factors that affect academic achievements in Grade 6 mathematics classrooms in a case of solving word problems. It investigated empirically the causes and perceptions that lead to difficulties in solving word problems and eventually identified strategies for teaching them. The constructivist philosophy was adopted. The study used the mixed-method design with quantitative data complementing the qualitative information. In gathering data, a word problem task, questionnaires, a class observation schedule, face-to-face and focus group interviews were used, focusing on SFS (pseudo) school learners and their teachers as a convenient sample. Data analysis was done in an integrated fashion where concurrent triangulation was followed. The statistics results illustrate that factors such as English language proficiency adversely affect the academic achievements of Grade 6 learners when solving word problems. Reading instructions aloud repeatedly and explaining key mathematical concepts have emerged as key strategies in understanding and solving word problems in mathematics.
Description
Citation
Kunene, Nothile Abrijard Tivelele (2014) Exploring the factors that affect academic achievement in grade 6 mathematics classrooms : a case of solving word problems, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19008>