Development of Mathematics Learning Activities based on STEM Education to promote Mathematical Communication Skill on Mixed Operations Word Problems of Multicultural Students in Grade 4

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) develop mathematical learning activities based on STEM Education to promote mathematical communication skill 2) to promote mathematical communication skill by using STEM Education on mixed operations word problems of multicultural students in Grade 4. The target group was 9 multicultural students in grade 4. Students were selected by purposive sampling, and they live in the northern part of Thailand which are 3 tribes of different beliefs, cultures and languages on used. Research tools were lesson plans based on STEM Education, reflection form, mathematical communication skill observation form and test. Research findings were as follows: 1) Learning activities should focus on preparing the appropriate situations for student context, linking the situation problems with mathematical communication, presenting the problem in the local language, and giving the instructions in attentive way. 2) Students developed mathematical communication in 3 elements which the most developed was writing to show the best mathematical concepts followed by explaining the steps to find answers and using language and mathematical symbol for present the concept Mathematics respectively.