MEANINGFUL LEARNING Part One

Is Meaningful Learning Essential?

Recent studies from mathematics' researchers promote the application of constructivism theory. It is a theory where meaningful understanding is become the most important aspect in education especially in mathematics' education. Due to this theory, children should actively involve in the learning process in order to construct their new knowledge based on their prior knowledge. Although it is believed to consume much time due to the so-called 'active activities', it is worth it due to the fact that meaningful learning is essential for strong understanding.

There are many children who do mathematics without knowing the real concept behind the calculations and computations. Many children answer question based on 'knowing' without 'understanding' the real context. Is it different between 'knowing' and 'understand'? Yes, of course! Take this as an example. Can you differentiate these two conditions?

a) Nani has 18 marbles. Raju gave her 12 more marbles. How many marbles Nani has now?
b) Nani has 18 marbles. How many marbles does she need to make it 30 marbles?

Many students able to answer (a) but unable to answer (b). Why? Most teacher understood (b) as a subtraction problem. Is it true? Let's see next example.

a) Nani had a cake. She cut it into 8 equal parts. She ate 3 parts of the cake.
b) Nani had 12 oranges. 8 of the oranges had rotten.

What is the difference? Some will see it as same. Indeed, (a) is pure fraction but (b) is about ratio but most teacher (even our ministry) treat it as the same. That is the reason why many questions on ratio being asked in UPSR under the title "high level fraction". Many children answered (a) successfully but some unable to answer (b).

Therefore, understanding is essential in mathematics education. It is a shame when student at high school unable to answer fraction successfully (happened to many of my PMR and SPM tuition participants).