An example and experience of a mathematical modelling activity: The hip roof problem

Abstract

There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of mathematical modelling which deal with real world problems in mathematics school. The present study set out to investigate potential uses of the Hip Roof problem to introduce a mathematical modelling activity to Indonesian students. This study was exploratory and interpretative in nature. The Hip Roof problem was originally developed by the researcher and was assigned to six groups of undergraduate students enrolled at one public university in Jakarta, Indonesia. Test administration and interview were conducted to describe their work. The works were analyzed descriptively. The result indicates that the problem is feasible with undergraduate students and the participants of the study appreciate the problem included in school mathematics to enhance their ability to implement mathematics in their real life. In solving the problem, the participants used their personal mathematical knowledge.