Ontosemiotic analysis of the instructional process in derivative applications with Agroforestry Engineering students

Abstract

This research has analyzed from an ontological and semiotic approach an instructional process in the applications of the derivative, allowing an assessment of the process both quantitatively and qualitatively, it also allowed the teacher to see the difficulties that arise in solving mathematical problems, having taken into account the elements of epistemic configurations. Likewise, to carry out the research, quantitative and qualitative methods were applied that allowed a better understanding of the situation, making an analysis and evaluation of mathematical instruction. Twenty-eight male and female students participated in the research. The following information gathering instruments were applied: attitude towards mathematics scale; mathematical instruction on the applications of derivatives in the context of agroforestry engineering; indirect observations; Initial test and final test. According to the aforementioned, it was possible to show that students have positive attitudes towards mathematics, however, they present basic cognitive obstacles for understanding and solving problems by applying derivatives. Similarly, it was evidenced through the non-parametric statistic that there is a statistically difference between the medians between the tests, therefore the instructional process improves the understanding and academic performance of the students.