Error Analysis in Basic Mathematical Operations

Abstract

In India, mathematics is taught from the very beginning of schooling and is a compulsory subject up to Class X. The basics of mathematics are taught at the primary level (Classes I to V), which form the base for upper classes. But after the primary level, when students enter the upper primary level, they make many errors while solving basic mathematical problems if their concepts are not clear. Therefore, it is important to know the kind of errors, generally, committed by elementary level students. It is only then that they can be taught accordingly and chances of errors can be minimised. To find out the kind of errors, generally, committed by students, the researchers developed a mathematical achievement tool and administered it on 40 students studying in Class VIII at a government school in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The researchers used purposive sampling technique to carry out the study. The collected data were analysed qualitatively. The result showed that primary level students make many errors while solving basic mathematical problems.