Mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties: does it work?

A systematic and explicit instruction using the concrete-representation-abstract sequence is commonly used for diagnostic and remedial approaches. However, this instructional approach might prevent pupils with learning difficulties to think and reason during mathematics learning. In this study, the...

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Main Authors: Poon , Cheng Yong, Yeo , Kee Jiar, Noor Azlan Ahmad Zanzali
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2012
Online Access:http://journalarticle.ukm.my/6128/1/Akademika_82%282%29Chap_13-locked.pdf
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author Poon , Cheng Yong
Yeo , Kee Jiar
Noor Azlan Ahmad Zanzali,
author_facet Poon , Cheng Yong
Yeo , Kee Jiar
Noor Azlan Ahmad Zanzali,
author_sort Poon , Cheng Yong
collection UKM
description A systematic and explicit instruction using the concrete-representation-abstract sequence is commonly used for diagnostic and remedial approaches. However, this instructional approach might prevent pupils with learning difficulties to think and reason during mathematics learning. In this study, the authors integrated behaviorist and constructivist approach to help indigenous pupils learn addition and subtraction of whole number using manipulative and drawings. The usual practice in mathematics remediation and effect of an alternative instructional approach were investigated. Using a case study design, a teacher and six indigenous pupils were involved. Data was collected using observation, pupils' work, and interview. Analysis process involved transcribing, segmenting, coding, creating themes, and inter-relating themes. Results indicated that explicit instruction and drill-and-practice were commonly used in the mathematics remediation classroom. Pupils were weak in conceptual understanding and also arithmetic skills. However, participation in mathematical processes and extensive use of physical, pictorial, and symbolic representations of mathematical ideas had helped the participating pupils gained firm conceptual understanding of addition and subtraction, and thus improved their arithmetic skills. Some pupils responded positively towards constructivist approach of instruction but others still needed explicit and individual instruction from their teacher.
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spelling ukm.eprints-61282013-04-17T04:00:13Z http://journalarticle.ukm.my/6128/ Mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties: does it work? Poon , Cheng Yong Yeo , Kee Jiar Noor Azlan Ahmad Zanzali, A systematic and explicit instruction using the concrete-representation-abstract sequence is commonly used for diagnostic and remedial approaches. However, this instructional approach might prevent pupils with learning difficulties to think and reason during mathematics learning. In this study, the authors integrated behaviorist and constructivist approach to help indigenous pupils learn addition and subtraction of whole number using manipulative and drawings. The usual practice in mathematics remediation and effect of an alternative instructional approach were investigated. Using a case study design, a teacher and six indigenous pupils were involved. Data was collected using observation, pupils' work, and interview. Analysis process involved transcribing, segmenting, coding, creating themes, and inter-relating themes. Results indicated that explicit instruction and drill-and-practice were commonly used in the mathematics remediation classroom. Pupils were weak in conceptual understanding and also arithmetic skills. However, participation in mathematical processes and extensive use of physical, pictorial, and symbolic representations of mathematical ideas had helped the participating pupils gained firm conceptual understanding of addition and subtraction, and thus improved their arithmetic skills. Some pupils responded positively towards constructivist approach of instruction but others still needed explicit and individual instruction from their teacher. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2012-05 Article PeerReviewed application/pdf en http://journalarticle.ukm.my/6128/1/Akademika_82%282%29Chap_13-locked.pdf Poon , Cheng Yong and Yeo , Kee Jiar and Noor Azlan Ahmad Zanzali, (2012) Mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties: does it work? AKADEMIKA, 82 (2). pp. 127-136. ISSN 0126-5008 http://www.ukm.my/penerbit/jademik.html
spellingShingle Poon , Cheng Yong
Yeo , Kee Jiar
Noor Azlan Ahmad Zanzali,
Mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties: does it work?
title Mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties: does it work?
title_full Mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties: does it work?
title_fullStr Mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties: does it work?
title_full_unstemmed Mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties: does it work?
title_short Mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties: does it work?
title_sort mathematics remedial intervention for indigenous pupils with learning difficulties does it work
url http://journalarticle.ukm.my/6128/1/Akademika_82%282%29Chap_13-locked.pdf
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