Female Student Mathematical Communication Ability in the Proving Process: a Review Based on Math Anxiety

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to explore the mathematical communication profile of prospective mathematics teachers in-depth, while also examining their levels of math anxiety. Mathematical communication involves delivering mathematical ideas and understandings through written and verbal means, using mathematical language in the form of symbols, signs, terms, formulas, images, and words. The study’s subjects were two female fifth-semester students from mathematics education study programs, one with High Math Anxiety (HMA) and one with Low Math Anxiety (LMA). Data were collected through various methods, including tests, assignments, questionnaires, and interviews. The findings of the study indicated that the HMA student accurately conveyed ideas in writing, but was less systematic and logical, whereas the LMA student expressed ideas correctly, systematically, and logically, but sometimes made accidental technical errors. Additionally, the HMA student did not pay much attention to the regularity and accuracy of her thoughts during oral communication. In contrast, the LMA student demonstrated a strong interest in learning, and was able to convey her ideas in a systematic, logical, detailed, complete, and correct manner.