Semiotic Representations of the Linear Function by Students Studying Administration

TLDR: In this article, the authors studied the difficulties faced by students of administration in learning the concept of linear function, based on the theoretical elements of Raymond Duval's registers of semiotic representation, to identify areas of opportunity in the teaching/learning process of this mathematical concept.

Abstract: Mathematical tools allow us to clearly explain the phenomenon studied in administrative science. Various studies have shown that linear function is a concept, widely used in administration, as well as in other kinds of science, but difficult for students to grasp and assimilate as a tool in their studies. That is the reason that the objective of the present project was to determine the difficulties faced by students of administration in learning the concept of the linear function, based on the theoretical elements of Raymond Duval’s registers of semiotic representation, to identify areas of opportunity in the teaching/learning process of this mathematical concept. Therefore, we designed an instrument made up of eight situations, which altogether consist of 24 problems. This instrument was validated by three experts in the area. Later, in keeping with the nature of the data to be collected, the instrument was given to a small randomly chosen sample group of six students studying under-graduate level administration and who were taking the subject of Mathematics for Business I. Students had the most difficulty in dealing with the registry of graphic representation and the cognitive activity of conversion between graphic and algebraic registers. It was also discovered that apparently context problems favored the latter conversion activity. We recommend these findings be further studied in a didactic approach to the issue, as well as carrying out studies of this nature on other mathematical objects in the course.