Investigating current practices of independent learning in mathematics from a Maldivian higher secondary school : a case study / Fathimath Shama

Abstract:
The newly introduced national curriculum of the Maldives is competency based; there is an emerging need for evidence based knowledge that provided insight into application of independent learning in the curriculum. The main aim of the study was to investigate higher secondary student's current practices of independent learning in mathematics and propose ways to enhance student's mathematics learning experience in future. The objectives were to explore current practices and to examine reasons for the use of independent learning in mathematics. With an interpretive paradigm, this study undertook observation, semi structured interview and document analysis as research methodologies to gather data. Students were filtered from mathematics grade 11 classroom observations and five students were selected for semi-structured interview. Student's notebook and their semester marks were reviewed as document analysis.
Six themes emerged from the findings, and these were examined. The analysis revealed that participants have several noted skills of independent learning such self-knowledge, motivation, goal orientation, critical thinking, help seeking and effective use of study habits in learning mathematics. Reason or source of current practices were teachers, friends and own experience. Good practices of study habits were also noted in student's behavior such as adopting a healthy lifestyle and good study practices. Reviewed literature shows that adopting these skills and study habits enables individuals to achieve higher academic performances in mathematics.