Hur tolkar du den här grafen?

Abstract

This study looks at what misconceptions students have when reading linear graphs. It also looks at what consequences mathematical conventions have on students' ability to read graphs. I will attempt to provide a tentative answer to these questions “How do students link linear graphs to algebra, and what misconceptions might students have regarding this?” Later we will take a look at what consequences these might have on students' ability to solve new problems and what we as teachers need to pay attention to concerning these problems. The study was done through a survey which contained multiple questions. These were constructed using variation theory. Its aim was to investigate which aspects of the graphs, when varied, affected the students ability to interpret a graph. The study finds that students often follow conventions often used when dealing with grafs. These when revoked leads to many misinterpretations and confusion amongst the students. A recommended action for us teachers to work towards a better understanding of graphs is then both proposed and discussed.