Students perceptions and development of conceptual understanding regarding trigonometry and trigonometric function

Abstract

This study found that although students felt they understood the basics of trigonometry, their conceptual understanding of angle and arc measurements remained low, with a large gap between their visual knowledge and their ability to define or explain the concepts. The main difficulties arose in connecting the concept of angles to arc measurements and understanding the negative significance of counterclockwise arc measurements. This study identified a lack of focus in the literature on angle and arc measurements in trigonometry education. The majority of students only have a visual understanding without a deep conceptual connection, have difficulty explaining mathematical concepts, and have misconceptions about arc direction measurement. The main recommendation is to develop teaching methods that strengthen conceptual understanding, relationships between trigonometric concepts, and students' mathematical articulation skills.