Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 9(5), pp. 928 - 937
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090505
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Analysis of Types, Sources of Errors and Misconceptions in South African Algebra Cognition

Philile Nobuhle Mathaba ¹, Anass Bayaga ^2,*
1 Department of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, South Africa
² Senior Secondary Education, Faculty of Education, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

ABSTRACT

Due to the persistent nature of errors and misconceptions, through SOLO model, the current research was aimed at examining the types and the sources of errors and misconceptions committed by Grade 9 learners in Algebra cognition. Thus, in the current research, the model was applied to assess learners' learning outcomes and to classify the value of the response. Through a survey, the sample size for this study was 100 Grade 9 learners in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. In response to the aim of the research, the themes comprised, algebraic fractions, graphs, expressions and equations, words problems. The results revealed that possible sources were lack of conceptual and procedural knowledge, a lack of factual knowledge, lack of connection between new knowledge and old knowledge, lack of interpretation, errors caused by translation. The major conclusion because of the SOLO theory revealed the level of thinking, indicating both one-structure and many-structures only in equations and expressions involving translation of equation to table and table to the graph. The practical implication is positioned on the need to improve understanding the sources of errors, classified as a lack of conceptual and procedural knowledge; lack of factual knowledge; lack of connection between new knowledge and old knowledge, lack of interpretation, inattentiveness and failure to read and understand; errors caused by translation. The theory applied revealed the need to emphasize other level of thinking as well as sources of errors.

KEYWORDS
Algebra, Cognition, Cognitive Development, Level of Responses, SOLO Model

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Philile Nobuhle Mathaba , Anass Bayaga , "Analysis of Types, Sources of Errors and Misconceptions in South African Algebra Cognition," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 9, No. 5, pp. 928 - 937, 2021. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090505.

(b). APA Format:
Philile Nobuhle Mathaba , Anass Bayaga (2021). Analysis of Types, Sources of Errors and Misconceptions in South African Algebra Cognition. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 9(5), 928 - 937. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090505.