Mathematical Reasoning Error Analysis of College Students for a Proposed Plan of Action

Abstract

Mathematical reasoning skills play an important role in student academic success. This study aimed to explore the mathematical reasoning ability of college students. The study utilized explanatory sequential mixed method research design to explore the level of mathematical reasoning ability of 30 college students who were selected using random sampling. Researcher made test was used to gather quantitative data while for the qualitative data, an in depth interview following Newman Interview Prompt was utilized. Data revealed that the level of mathematical reasoning of college students in terms of analyzing is on developing, while forming conjectures and generalizing and justifying can be both describe as on the beginning level. The common errors committed by the respondents based on the qualitative data were misinterpreting data, calculation errors, and ignoring context during analyzing. Moreover, it was also revealed that during forming conjectures and generalizations, students tend to commit over generalization and inappropriate use of patterns. Finally, for justifying and logical arguments, errors were lack of justifications, logical fallacies, incomplete proofs and misunderstanding definition. It was also revealed that common cause of errors in mathematical reasoning were confusion in algebra, confusion in communication, confusion on notation, unjustified generalization and misconception in reasoning. Action was proposed which focuses on increasing college student mathematical reasoning was proposed.