y2016m11b02
20161124081000
assa
nadine@assaf.org.za
assa
South African Journal of Science
S. Afr. J. Sci
0038-2353
1996-7489
11242016
Volume 112
Number 11/12
Formulating tasks to develop HOTS for first-year calculus based on Brookhart abilities
Formulating tasks to develop HOTS for first-year calculus based on Brookhart abilities
Aneshkumar
Maharaj
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4808-551X
School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Vivek
Wagh
School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Abstract
We describe an approach to develop higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) among first-year calculus students. The ideas formulated by Brookhart to develop HOTS were used to identify from the literature three core abilities that should be targeted. Then eight expected learning outcomes for the development of HOTS were documented, in the context of the study of first-year university calculus. Those expected outcomes were used to formulate sample tasks that were designed to target the development of the eight abilities. A pilot study was done to determine whether the tasks had the high mathematical demand envisaged. It was found that about 37% of the participants did not give any response to the tasks. Further it was found that about 31% of the participants were able to critically evaluate a given possible solution to a problem and make a value judgement. It is recommended that to promote HOTS among students, the formulation of tasks should focus on developing the following abilities: interpreting a general definition or statement in the context of a given model; translating a worded or graphically represented situation to relevant mathematical formalisms; identifying possible applications of mathematics in their surroundings; identifying linkages between groups of concepts and interpreting these linkages in the context of a model; working systematically through cases in an exhaustive way; critically evaluating one’s and others’ presented solutions to a problem; interpreting and extending solutions of problems; and using with reasonable skill available tools for mathematical exploration.
11242016
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/za/
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/za/
10.17159/sajs.2016/20160139
20161124081000
http://sajs.co.za/formulating-tasks-develop-hots-first-year-calculus-based-brookhart-abilities/aneshkumar-maharaj-vivek-wagh
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http://sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/SAJS-112-11-12-Maharaj_ResearchArticle.pdf
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http://sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/SAJS-112-11-12-Maharaj_ResearchArticle.pdf
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http://sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/SAJS-112-11-12-Maharaj_ResearchArticle.pdf
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http://sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/SAJS-112-11-12-Maharaj_ResearchArticle.pdf
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http://sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/SAJS-112-11-12-Maharaj_ResearchArticle.pdf
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http://sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/SAJS-112-11-12-Maharaj_ResearchArticle.pdf
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http://sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/SAJS-112-11-12-Maharaj_ResearchArticle.pdf