The analysis of the understanding of the three-dimensional (Euclidian) space and the two -variable function concept by university students

ŞEFİK Ö., DOST Ş.

JOURNAL OF MATHEMATICAL BEHAVIOR, vol.57, 2020 (ESCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 57
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jmathb.2019.03.004
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF MATHEMATICAL BEHAVIOR
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, EBSCO Education Source, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Psycinfo
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Conceptual understanding is being emphasized in mathematics education. Students often have difficulty understanding the multi-variable function, a key concept. Based on the APOS theory, which analyzes the cognitive structures formed by individuals in learning a mathematical concept and produces components related to that learning, this study analyzes the conceptual understanding of three-dimensional spaces and two-variable functions by university students. The genetic decomposition of these concepts proposed by Trigueros and Martinez-Planell is also considered. The analyzes results revealed that only one student constructed the concept of threedimensional space as an object within the framework of genetic decomposition. Some students could not relate the concepts of two-variable function and three-dimensional space. Students who could perform algebraic operations had problems related to geometric representation. This study suggests the refinement of genetic decomposition to include, e.g., mental construction steps for writing algebraic equations of special surfaces whose graphs are given in R-3.