(2015-07) Geteregechi, Joash Mochogi; Miheso-O’Connor, Marguerite; Ondigi, S. R.
Mathematics is a discipline that communicates using a highly specialized language. This
language makes use of notations and symbols in unique ways that require thorough
understanding by those studying it. This study was designed to measure how student mastery
of the notations relates to their performance in mathematics. The study used a correlational
study design where competence in notations was correlated with performance. Competence in
notations and performance in mathematics were measured using tests designed to measure
the two. The findings indicate that student mastery of notations highly correlates with their
performance in the subject thus recommending that they should be taken more seriously by
teachers and authors of mathematics textbooks.
Key words: Mathematical Notation, Mathematical Language, Symbolism, Notational
Competence and Mathematics Performance.