Metaphors and images of mathematics among secondary school students

• Published in: ASM Science Journal
• Main Author: Osman R.; Hilmi Z.A.G.; Ramli N.; Abdullah N.H.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Akademi Sains Malaysia 2020
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85092487993&doi=10.32802%2fASMSCJ.2020.SM26%282.16%29&partnerID=40&md5=0d518e62fc6a8c623b1b1e733ea37198

This paper discusses the metaphors and images of mathematics held by secondary school students. These elements were obtained through their experiences in mathematics education and they may reflect the attitude and beliefs of students regarding mathematics. The study involved 143 form five students and they were classified as achievers or non-achievers based on their result in the Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) examination. Data were collected through a written question form. Images of mathematics and metaphors between the two groups were compared and discussed. The findings showed that the mathematical images drawn by achievers and non-achievers did not show much difference with majority of the students from both groups drew mathematics learning in a classroom with a teacher (Teacher Centred Learning). There is also no significant difference between the two groups on metaphors that relate to mathematics with respect to activities, instruments, professions and elements. © 2020 by the authors.