Language Competences as a Contributing Factor in Solving Mathematical Problems

摘要

Mathematics is a compulsory subject for both elementary and high school students. The materials covered in this subject, which are mostly abstract with numbers and verbal symbols, have made it seem very hard to learn. In addition to its abstract characteristic, the lack of understanding on the language used in formulating mathematical concepts, especially in solving everyday problems, have contributed to the challenges faced by students upon their learning. In addition, teachers' lack of understanding of the importance of language competence in learning mathematics has made the learning method focus mainly on the procedures for solving problems. This paper discusses various challenges faced by students in solving mathematical problems and their contributing factors. This study uses a qualitative method. The results of this study that the difficulties in comprehending basic mathematical skills have departed from the inability to implement mathematical concepts in various topics and subjects, which are falling within five major areas: (1) number facts, (2) arithmetic, (3) information, (4) language, and (5) visual-spatial. There are some factors contributing to the challenges in solving mathematical problems, namely external and internal.