HOW PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS SOLVE HANDSHAKE PROBLEM?
Journal Title: Educational Research International - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 3
Abstract
The goal of the mathematics curriculum in Malaysia is to develop individuals who are able to think mathematically and can apply mathematical knowledge effectively and responsibly in solving problems and making decision (Ministry of Education Malaysia, 2003). Problem solving is the primary focus of the teaching and learning activities of school mathematics. The purpose of this article was to identify problem solving strategies among primary school teachers. Survey research design was adopted to identify their problem solving strategies. The participants of this study encompassed 120 primary school teachers from a public university in Peninsula Malaysia who enrolled in a 4-year Graduating Teachers Program (Program Pensiswazahan Guru) majored in mathematics. The researchers employed purposive sampling technique to select these participants. This article presents the analysis of the responses of the participants related to a particular problem, namely handshake problem. Result of the study shows that 74.2% of the participants have successfully solved the handshake problem. They employed various problem solving strategies: (i) making tables, charts or systematic list, (ii) drawing diagrams, (iii) simulation, (iv) trial-and-error (also known as guess-and-check), (v) using algebra, (vi) identifying pattern, and (vii) trying simpler cases. Result of the study also shows that 60% of the participants used same strategy to check their solutions for the handshake problem without being probed.
Authors and Affiliations
Wun Thiam Yew, Lim Hooi Lian, Chew Cheng Meng
Keywords
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