Error analysis is an instructional strategy that can assist teachers to identify learners' areas of weakness in mathematics and that can point to remediation of those errors. This article explores the errors learners exhibit when solving quadratic equations by completing the square using Newman's Error Analysis Model. A research study explored the…

Mathematics proficiency in the Philippines is a persistent concern, seen by many as a sign of an educational crisis. Teachers are responsible for improving learning outcomes in any discipline, including math. Thus, the study intended to conduct an error analysis of verbal problems among pre-service mathematics teachers. The researcher employed…

Laplace transform (LT) is an essential mathematical tool for solving linear ordinary differential equations (ODE) with boundary values, by transforming differential equation into algebraic equations which are easier to manipulate. In this article, we analyse the errors students make and misconceptions they have in solving linear ODE using LT…

The study aimed to determine the mistakes of students in operations with algebraic expressions, and their misconceptions that may lead to errors. The study adopted case study method, one of the qualitative research models. The participants were composed of 48 (24 boys, 24 girls) randomly selected among 8th grade students in three different classes…

Identifying students' errors in solving cases of critical thinking skills from two variables of linear equation (TVLE). This was a qualitative study using a descriptive exploratory approach. The participants of the study were first-year students of mathematics education. The method used in this research is a test, interview, and triangulation. The…

We discuss the limits of the equation of the period of a simple pendulum, T[subscript s] = 2[pi][square root]l/g, frequently used in high-school and university classrooms to measure the acceleration of gravity. We evaluate the relative error in determining the acceleration of gravity with this simple equation instead of a more realistic one,…

Translation skills are very important possessed by students, but currently, there are still many students who have difficulty in translating between representations. The purpose of this study is to analyze students' errors in translating from symbolic representations to verbal and graphic representations. This research was descriptive study with…

In this article we present the results of an investigation into semiotic aspects of an introductory differential equations class from two countries. In order to perform a comparative analysis, students in the USA and Tunisia were given common questions on their midterm exams that examined analytical and graphical competencies. Our results indicate…

This study, using a quantitative approach, examined Spanish and South African pre-service teachers' responses to translating word problems based on direct proportionality into equations. The participants were 79 South African and 211 Spanish prospective primary school teachers who were in their second year of a Bachelor of Education degree. The…

The present study explored 285 11th-grade students' preconceptions, misconceptions, and errors in solving mathematics tasks by graphical method. A descriptive-explorative study design was adopted. Cluster sampling was used to select students from sampled secondary schools in eastern and central Uganda. Students' paper and pen solution sketches…

Conceptual understanding is one of the main concerns of mathematics education. Numerous research have discussed student understanding of algebraic concepts, linear equations in particular. This research was drawn upon in order to develop a new approach for teaching and learning linear equations based on the equivalence concept, one that aims to…

Literature has established that some learners encountered difficulties solving first order ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The use of error analysis in teaching ODEs is believed to make essential contribution towards calculus knowledge development. This paper therefore focuses on analyzing pre-service teachers' (PSTs) errors and…

When translating word problems into equations, a common error consists of using the same letter to refer to two different quantities. This error, called multiple referents for the unknown, can be connected to the existence of deictic or indexical expressions within the problem statement. This paper aims to analyse the influence of indexical…

The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Research for Education series represents a further effort by IEA to capitalize on it's unique datasets, so as to provide powerful information for policymakers and researchers. Each report focuses on a specific topic and is produced by a dedicated team of leading…

This pilot study explores the effectiveness of a strategy for overcoming post-primary students' misconceptions within the topic of algebra. Although central to the study of mathematics, algebra can be an area of difficulty for many students. A misconception is typically classified as flawed understanding of a concept causing repeated errors, and…