Mathematical Modeling: Effects on Problem Solving Performance and Math Anxiety of Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This study determined the effects of the integration of mathematical modeling on the problem solving performance and math anxiety level of Grade 9 students. Two groups of students were exposed to different strategies: the control group was taught using guided practice while the experimental group was taught using the integration of mathematical modelling. Pretests and Posttests were given to measure the performance of both groups in terms of their problem solving skills and their math anxiety level. T-test of independent and dependent were used to determine whether there exists significant difference between the performance of the two groups in terms of their pretest and posttest scores. Questionnaire and Interview Method were implemented were used to elicit students' reactions on the integration of mathematical modeling in the classroom.Findings showed that there is a significant difference between the pretest and posttest mean scores of both groups in terms of their problem solving performance test and their mathematics anxiety test. However, when their posttest mean scores were compared, the experimental group made a large improvement in terms of their problem solving performance and a reduction in terms of their mathematics anxiety level, thus, the integration of mathematical modeling was effective in improving the problem solving performance and reducing the math anxiety level of students.

Math Anxiety and Mathematical Representations of Grade 7 Students

“…In the study of Dowker et al (2016), numerical anxiety was given solution in the past years by enhancing students to focus on the mathematical performance to lessen the anxiety. Santos et al (2015) recommended to utilize mathematical modeling that could have impact towards numerical anxiety. Table 4 shows the test performance of the students in mathematical representation.…”

Effectiveness of Mathematical Modeling in a Technological Environment and Its Impact on Developing Motivation toward Learning Mathematics among Students in Middle Schools in Israel

“…In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the study tools were constructed to precisely measure the effectiveness of mathematical modeling in a technological environment, and its effect in the development of critical thinking skills and motivation rising toward mathematics. The researchers resorted to a number of previous studies to help construct the appropriate tools, namely (Nimrat et al, 2020), (Shummari, 2018), (Abu Sara, 2018), (Firdaus et al, 2015), and (Santos et al, 2015). To obtain data from its secondary source, the researcher used two tools for the study as follows.…”

Developing the Competency of Mathematical Modelling: A Case Study of Teaching the Cosine and Sine Theorems

“…It was documented that students made progress in areas such as working with textbook assignments, creating and using mathematical ideas, exploring diverse forms of math knowledge to put into practice to handle a wide range of situations and having a definite faith in learning mathematics. Also, Santos et al (2015) had detailed scrutiny of the impact of integrating mathematical modelling on problem-solving skills and math concerns of 9th-grade students. In particular, the control group was taught by teachers' guidance, and the experimental group was organised with integrated mathematical modelling.…”