Student difficulties in word problems of derivatives: A multisemiotic perspective

Abstract

This study aims to describe findings on students' difficulties in solving derivatives word problems from the perspective of multiple semiotic systems. A test in the form of word problems was constructed, validated to mathematics expert, and then given to 69 students of grade 11. Their works were analyzed from the perspective of multiple semiotic systems by classifying each obtained case into six sub-features, i.e. transforming symbol into visual representation, visual representation into symbol, language into symbol, symbol into language, language into visual representation, and visual representation into language. It was found that transforming language into visual representation was the most found sub-feature of difficulties. This study concludes that the difficulties due to multiple semiotic systems are real. Students faced these difficulties during word problem solving of derivatives in diverse cases involving transforming meaning from one system to another.