The interpretation and construction of global graphs by eritrean grade nine students (an exploratory study)

Abstract

In this study the interpretation and construction of global graphs by grade nine Eritrean students is explored in a qualitative research paradigm called developmental research. The experience of these students in an environment in which they were encouraged to work independent of the teacher is analyses. A situation was set up in which students worked individually as well as in groups for implementing the task based activities with the accompanying research method. Successive observations of students' work in this environment were conducted. Their written works in this environment were collected for analysis. The result of the analysis revealed the fact that students at this grade level were to some extent using their prior knowledge to plot points in the Cartesian co-ordinate plane. Furthermore, the analysis is confirms that students' answers were based on the appearance of the graphs on the co-ordinate plane. Their interpretations were also directed towards graphing straight lines. In general, it was observed that students predominantly used a visual strategy f or solving problems in the task-based activities. This study shows that to make the topics of graphing simple and interesting so that t the general public can communicate with it, the concept of global features of graphics should be introduced in all grades in the form of a spiral curriculum. Since this study was conducted in one cycle, to make it complete and fruitful, successive cycles should be undertaken in the future.