THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICAL SKILLS IN THE EVALUATION OF NUMERICAL EXPRESSIONS INVOLVING ORDER OF OPERATIONS

Abstract

This paper examines the students’ ability in using their mathematical skills when performing order of operations. In this study, the ‘hierarchy-of-operators triangle by Ameis (2011)’ was introduced as an alternative BODMAS approach to help students in gaining a better understanding behind the concept of the order of operations. The study of 21 Year 9 students in one of the government secondary schools in Brunei Darussalam used mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. Comparisons of the scores showed positive progress and greater improvement in the students’ performance. Interviews from the students were also analysed to gain further insight. Most of the interviewed students responded that it is easier for them to remember the triangle to remember the order of operations.

Keywords

• Order of operations,numerical expressions,secondary mathematics

References

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