Learning Activities to Enhance the Mathematical Modelling in Mathematical Problem Solving on Derivatives and Applications of Derivatives

Abstract

        The purposes of this research were to study the guideline for implementing learning activities to enhance the mathematical modelling and to study the ability to create mathematical models after using learning activities on derivatives and applications of derivatives of 40 first-year undergraduate students, who enrolled in Calculus in the first semester of the academic year 2021. The students were majoring in Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Science Technology, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy. The research tools were lesson plans designed to enhance the mathematical modelling, activity worksheets and supplementary worksheets, a mathematical modelling test, a teacher reflection form, and students' journals. The results showed that the guideline for implementing learning activities is to engage the students to practice each steps of mathematical modelling with the teacher’s assistance. The steps of the mathematical modelling were Step 1: understanding and analyzing the situation or problem, Step 2: creating and defining mathematical models, Step 3: using mathematics to calculate the solution of mathematical models, Step 4: interpreting and making a conclusion, Step 5: verifying the conclusion, and Step 6: assessing for decision making or improving the model or creating a new model. After completing all the 3 cycles, 80% or more of the students are able to create mathematical models at the professional level.