An investigation into students’ difficulties in numerical problem solving questions in high school biology using a numeracy framework

Journal Title: European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 2

Abstract

The ‘mathematics problem’ is a well-known source of difficulty for students attempting numerical problem solving questions in the context of science education. This paper illuminates this problem from a biology education perspective by invoking Hogan’s numeracy framework. In doing so, this study has revealed that the contextualisation of mathematics within the domain of biology is not the main source of difficulty for students but rather more fundamental mathematical skills.

Authors and Affiliations

Fraser J. Scott| Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland For correspondence: fraser.j.scott@strath.ac.uk

Keywords

Related Articles

Middle school pre-service mathematics teachers' guidance for sixth grade students in problem solving process

The mathematics of the middle school has an important place in developing of algebraic thinking. Middle grades correspond to transition from arithmetic to algebra. According to Thompson and Smith (2007), quantitative rea...

Adult science learners’ mathematical mistakes: An analysis of responses to computer-marked questions

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 an...

Perceived teacher factors in relation to students’ achievementrelated outcomes in science classrooms in elementary school

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the roles that perceived teacher affective support (PTAS), perceived teacher mastery goal orientation (PTMGO), academic emotions, self?efficacy and behavioural engageme...

Graduate teaching assistants; critical colleagues or casual components in the undergraduate laboratory learning? An exploration of the role of the postgraduate teacher in the sciences.

Laboratory training is key to many science subjects and those that teach the practical laboratory skills maintain a pivotal role in undergraduate science training. Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) are regularly used i...

A time profile of mathematics in a ‘gap year’ in Irish secondary schools

The Irish education system is unique in an international context as it sets aside a full school year for a transition and youth development programme in the middle of secondary education. The Transition Year (TY) program...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP8091
  • DOI -
  • Views 376
  • Downloads 27

How To Cite

Fraser J. Scott (2016). An investigation into students’ difficulties in numerical problem solving questions in high school biology using a numeracy framework. European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 4(2), 115-128. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-8091