DEVELOPMENT OF LEARNING MANAGEMENT USING MATHEMATICAL MODELS TO PROMOTE MATHEMATICAL CONNECTION ABILITIES ON THE TOPIC OF PYRAMID, CONE, AND SPHERE FOR MATHAYOMSUKSA 3 STUDENTS

Abstract

This qualitative action research aimed: 1) to establish guidelines for learning management using mathematical modeling to enhance mathematical connection abilities on the topic of Pyramids, Cones, and Spheres, and 2) to examine mathematical connection abilities on the topic of Pyramids, Cones, and Spheres among 38 Mathayomsuksa 3 students at a medium-sized secondary school in Uttaradit Province, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included lesson plans, activity sheets, reflective teaching logs, and a mathematical connection ability assessment. Data were analyzed using content analysis and triangulated through multiple data sources.

The findings revealed that 1) the guidelines for learning management using mathematical modeling to enhance mathematical connection abilities on the topic of Pyramids, Cones, and Spheres consisted of seven key steps: (1) understanding the problems, (2) simplifying the problems, (3) mathematizing thinking, (4) performing mathematical operations, (5) interpreting results, (6) validating the appropriateness of the solution, and (7) presenting the findings. Furthermore, the study indicated that mathematical modeling activities should be designed to relate to students’ real-life experiences, such as tourism sites and common occupations, and should align with the mathematical content related to pyramids, cones, and spheres. This approach supported students in constructing meaningful mathematical understanding. 2) students showed the greatest improvement in their abilities to connect mathematics with other disciplines, followed by connecting mathematics to real-life contexts. The least development was observed in their ability to connect mathematics within its own content areas. The results of this study serve as a practical guideline for implementing mathematics instruction that effectively enhances students’mathematical connection skills.