A Study on the Role of Drama in Learning Mathematics

Abstract

Calculus has always been issue of underachievement performance for public university students. Insufficient background of SPM Additional Mathematics affected the students’ performance in Mathematics at university level. One of the main reasons that contribute to this problem is the lack of understanding of the basic concept in differentiation and integration. Two innovative techniques of basic differentiation and integration for trigonometric functions by using mnemonic chart are developed in this paper. Many students face difficulties to memorize the formulas which unable for them to solve the given problems. These proposed techniques minimize students’ problem in memorizing formulas as well as improve teaching method for educators. In addition, these new technique is not only can be advantageous for university students in Calculus course, but also for Matriculation and STPM students in Mathematics subject. This technique emphasizes square and triangle shape to be used for Original Rule and Chain Rule. All formulas can be derived from clockwise and anticlockwise direction. In the future, further research need to be done whether mnemonics are effective and useful to academic programmes such as Science- based programmes and also for secondary high schools.