ERIC Number: EJ1289260
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1305-8223
EISSN: N/A
Exploring Grade Nine Geometry Spatial Mathematical Reasoning in the South African Annual National Assessment
Dhlamini, Zwelithini Bongani; Chuene, Kabelo; Masha, Kwena; Kibirige, Israel
EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, v15 n11 Article em1772 2019
The purpose of this study was to explore geometry spatial mathematical reasoning in Grade nine Annual National Assessments, South Africa. Conceptual Blending was the guiding theory. Document analysis within the exploratory case study was used to explore available data, the 2014 Annual National Assessment learners' scripts (n=1250). Results revealed that on average 70.5 percent of the total number of learners remembered and blended irrelevant prior knowledge not reflective to the contexts of the geometry problems. For learners who recalled the correct prior knowledge, its manipulation was either fragmented or irrelevant. The use of recalled information in wrong contexts could be due to the incorrect manipulation of the meaning of the problems. Also, responses reveal challenges on the quality of mathematics education on geometry. Therefore, the teaching and learning of geometry should focus on empowering learners with skills of recalling, blending and on manipulating problems in their contexts.
Descriptors: Grade 9, Spatial Ability, Geometric Concepts, Mathematical Logic, Problem Solving, Prior Learning, Recall (Psychology), Thinking Skills, National Competency Tests, Mathematics Curriculum, Foreign Countries
Modestum. No: 1 Windrush Road, Hilton Derbyshire, DE65 5LB, UK. e-mail: ejmste@ejmste.com; Web site: https://www.ejmste.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 9; High Schools; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A