Algebraic visualization difficulties of students in junior high school

Abstract

Algebra has been considered as a key aspect in forming the base to courses in advanced Mathematics and Science coursework in Secondary and Post-Secondary Education. Failure for students in algebra has become a big barrier for students to proceed with education. We argue that for students to be successful in secondary school algebraic topics such as equations and functions, and in post-secondary courses such as Calculus and Algebra, they need to overcome difficulties that they have in the basic aspects of algebraic operations. The study aimed to explore and describe difficulties that students have in algebraic operations at junior secondary school. This study used descriptive case study and sampling is purposeful. 30 students were given test on algebraic operations. Their work was analyzed by identifying the difficulties students have when they factorize and simplify algebraic expressions. Results showed that students have difficulties in visualizing algebraic forms and applying the associativity and distributive properties of algebraic expressions when they factorize or simplify algebraic terms. We conclude that algebraic visualization is a key aspect for success in Mathematics. Teachers are encouraged to investigate on difficulties of students in algebraic operations and provide instructional material that help students overcome certain learning obstacles.