Adult science learners’ mathematical mistakes: An analysis of responses to computer-marked questions
Journal Title: European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education - Year 2014, Vol 2, Issue 2
Abstract
Inspection of thousands of student responses to computer-marked assessment questions has brought insight into the errors made by adult distance learners of science. Most of the questions analysed were in summative use and required students to construct their own response. Both of these things increased confidence in the reliability of the findings, as did the fact that similar errors were seen in different variants and in different questions. Questions on logarithms, graphs and gradient, differentiation and standard deviation were poorly answered. However, the most persistent errors, seen in questions designed to assess a range of different skills, were in rounding numerical values to an appropriate number of decimal places or significant figures and in working out the units of an answer. Other errors included incorrect precedence in calculations, giving symbols in an incorrect case, and problems with reciprocation, adding fractions, handling powers, performing unit conversions, and simplifying algebraic expressions. Possible reasons for the errors include careless slips, poor understanding of a method, and deeper conceptual misunderstandings. Many of the errors were similar to those reported by others, both at university and school level, and it appears that there are some very basic stumbling blocks that affect a wide range of students. It is suggested that increased use of discussion with students might bring further insight into the reasons for errors as well as increasing student understanding.
Authors and Affiliations
Sally Jordan| Department of Physical Science, The Open University, UK For correspondence: sally.jordan@open.ac.uk
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP8034
- DOI -
- Views 393
- Downloads 28
An inquiry-based learning intervention to support post-primary engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics
Science and mathematics education in Ireland is facing an increasing number of challenges due to economic and social change. Some of these challenges mirror international trends while others are unique to the Irish educa...
A comparative analysis of common mistakes in achievement tests prepared by school teachers and corporate trainers
Test development has been an important part of measurement and evaluation in any educational setting, whether its purpose is instruction or training. Both teachers and trainers are expected to have certain level of maste...
Does every cell get blood? young students’ discussions about illustrations of human blood circulation
This article presents a study of how groups of young students discuss illustrations of human blood circulation. Transparency is not an innate quality of illustrations, visual information is always coded and interpretatio...
Impact of using history of mathematics on students’ mathematics attitude: a meta-analysis study
The main objective of hereby study is to unearth the big picture, reaching studies about influence of using history of mathematics on attitude of mathematics among students. 6 studies with a total effect size of 14 that...
Geometric error analysis in applied calculus problem solving
The paper investigates geometric errors students made as they tried to use their basic geometric knowledge in the solution of the Applied Calculus Optimization Problem (ACOP). Inaccuracies related to the drawing of geome...