Journal Article

Flexible teaching of mathematics word problems through multiple means of representation

Mosimege, Mogege D., Moleko, Matshidiso M.

2021

Overview

Flexible teaching of mathematics word problems is essential to improve learning. Flexible teaching is vital in terms of providing meaningful learning, creating inclusive learning spaces and making content accessible. As such, teachers need to strive to provide flexible teaching of mathematics word problems in order to optimise and maximise learning. In line with this notion, therefore, the qualitative case study reported in this article aimed to explore the implementation of one aspect of universal design for learning (UDL), namely multiple means of representation (MMR), to guide flexible teaching of mathematics word problems. Data were collected using focus group discussions, reflection and observation sessions in which five high school mathematics teachers and a Head of Department were involved. The teachers participated in a mini-workshop on the application of the UDL principles which was organised to introduce and induct them to the approach. The study showed that MMR can be used to help guide flexible teaching of mathematics word problems by providing varied options for comprehension: options for language, mathematical expressions and symbols, as well as options for perception. The findings of the study recommend the need for teachers to adapt their teaching by considering the application of the MMR principle to guide and promote flexible teaching of mathematics word problems.

• Publisher: African Online Scientific Information Systems (Pty) Ltd t/a AOSIS,AOSIS (Pty) Ltd,AOSIS
• Subject: Academic Accommodations (Disabilities) / Access to Education / Attention / Beliefs / Case studies / Classrooms / Cognitive style / Coping / Critical Thinking / Curricula / Curriculum Evaluation / Educational Methods / Educational Needs / Educational Practices / Educational Strategies / Educational Technology / Expectation / Faculty Development / Flexibility / flexible teaching / Foreign Countries / Goal Orientation / High School Teachers / Influence of Technology / Information Processing / Instructional design / Learner Engagement / Learning / Learning Motivation / Literature Reviews / Mathematical analysis / Mathematical Concepts / Mathematical Formulas / Mathematical Models / Mathematical problems / Mathematics / Mathematics Activities / Mathematics Curriculum / Mathematics Instruction / Mathematics Teachers / mathematics word problems / multiple means of representation / Problem Solving / Representations / Study and teaching / Teachers / Teaching / Teaching Methods / teaching strategy / Universal design / universal design for learning / Word Problems (Mathematics)