Investigating the relationship between the student's ability and learning preferences: evidence from year 7 mathematics students

Abstract

In the last decade, the emergence of diverse students in a streamed class based on the mathematical ability brought upon challenges for the teacher to find an approach which could accommodate all students. This study aims to investigate the connection of students’ ability with their learning preferences in mathematics by applying differentiated instruction using tiered assignments and parallel tasks. This qualitative approach was used for this study from a sample of year 7 mathematics students within Pengukuhan Kemahiran Asas programme (PEKA) (the Basic Skills Strengthening programme), which revolved upon low ability for students with very weak numeracy skills. The findings in general revealed that there is an improvement in their performance.