Mathematical thinking in multivariable calculus through blended learning

Blended learning is proposed as a sufficient environment in supporting students’ mathematical learning based on mathematical thinking. This research explores a blended learning model for teaching and learning of multivariable calculus in fostering students’ mathematical thinking based on the data ga...

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Main Author: Kashefi, Hamidreza
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: 2012
Subjects:
Online Access:http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/37808/5/HamidrezaKashefiPFP2012.pdf
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id my-utm-ep.37808
record_format uketd_dc
spelling my-utm-ep.378082017-09-21T08:03:30Z Mathematical thinking in multivariable calculus through blended learning 2012-06 Kashefi, Hamidreza QA Mathematics Blended learning is proposed as a sufficient environment in supporting students’ mathematical learning based on mathematical thinking. This research explores a blended learning model for teaching and learning of multivariable calculus in fostering students’ mathematical thinking based on the data gained through the preliminary investigation, the existing model, and integrating creative problem solving. The main purpose of this research is to identify the effectiveness of the blended learning in developing and supporting students’ thinking powers in the construction of mathematical knowledge, problem solving, and in reducing their difficulties in multivariable calculus course. The theoretical foundation of the three worlds of symbolic, embodied, and formal mathematics was adopted to develop strategies for mathematical knowledge construction and to enhance students’ mathematical thinking. Sixty two first year engineering students participated in this study. Data were collected via think-aloud verbal protocols, students’ written solutions to assessments, semi-structured interview, students’ web comments, and semi-structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that the students’ mathematical knowledge construction and problem solving had improved. They could overcome their difficulties in the learning of multivariable calculus. The data collected also showed that students used mathematical thinking activities and multiple representations of mathematics worlds, especially the symbolic and the embodied worlds, when solving the problems. 2012-06 Thesis http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/37808/ http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/37808/5/HamidrezaKashefiPFP2012.pdf application/pdf en public phd doctoral Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Faculty of Education Faculty of Education
institution Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
collection UTM Institutional Repository
language English
topic QA Mathematics
spellingShingle QA Mathematics
Kashefi, Hamidreza
Mathematical thinking in multivariable calculus through blended learning
description Blended learning is proposed as a sufficient environment in supporting students’ mathematical learning based on mathematical thinking. This research explores a blended learning model for teaching and learning of multivariable calculus in fostering students’ mathematical thinking based on the data gained through the preliminary investigation, the existing model, and integrating creative problem solving. The main purpose of this research is to identify the effectiveness of the blended learning in developing and supporting students’ thinking powers in the construction of mathematical knowledge, problem solving, and in reducing their difficulties in multivariable calculus course. The theoretical foundation of the three worlds of symbolic, embodied, and formal mathematics was adopted to develop strategies for mathematical knowledge construction and to enhance students’ mathematical thinking. Sixty two first year engineering students participated in this study. Data were collected via think-aloud verbal protocols, students’ written solutions to assessments, semi-structured interview, students’ web comments, and semi-structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that the students’ mathematical knowledge construction and problem solving had improved. They could overcome their difficulties in the learning of multivariable calculus. The data collected also showed that students used mathematical thinking activities and multiple representations of mathematics worlds, especially the symbolic and the embodied worlds, when solving the problems.
format Thesis
qualification_name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.)
qualification_level Doctorate
author Kashefi, Hamidreza
author_facet Kashefi, Hamidreza
author_sort Kashefi, Hamidreza
title Mathematical thinking in multivariable calculus through blended learning
title_short Mathematical thinking in multivariable calculus through blended learning
title_full Mathematical thinking in multivariable calculus through blended learning
title_fullStr Mathematical thinking in multivariable calculus through blended learning
title_full_unstemmed Mathematical thinking in multivariable calculus through blended learning
title_sort mathematical thinking in multivariable calculus through blended learning
granting_institution Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Faculty of Education
granting_department Faculty of Education
publishDate 2012
url http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/37808/5/HamidrezaKashefiPFP2012.pdf
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