Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education

Eighth-Grade Students' Conceptions of Substitution in Everyday Life: A Phenomenography

Manasseh Cudjoe 1 * ,
Jazlin Ebenezer 1,
Joseph Ofori-Dankwa 2
1 Wayne State University2 Saginaw Valley State University* Corresponding Author
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Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Volume 8, Issue SI, June 2025, pp. 135-159
OPEN ACCESS VIEWS: 10 DOWNLOADS: 7 Publication date: 15 Jun 2025
ABSTRACT
This study explores the conceptions of substitution held by eighth-grade students in the context of everyday life, using a phenomenographic research approach. Substitution, a critical concept in algebra, plays a central role in students' development of mathematical reasoning. However, despite its importance, students often struggle to apply substitution effectively in the classroom and real-world scenarios. Data were collected from 34 students across two eighth-grade mathematics classes using written responses and drawings. The analysis identified five distinct categories of students’ understanding of substitution, ranging from basic perceptions of player removal and replacement in a sports context to more complex interpretations involving strategic decision-making. Additionally, the study revealed two qualitatively different views regarding the impact of substitution on team dynamics, with students perceiving either no change in the number of players or a decrease. These findings highlight significant variation in students' relational understanding of substitution and suggest that instructional approaches integrating real-world contexts may better support conceptual development. Teachers can foster deeper engagement and improve algebraic understanding by connecting students' informal experiences with formal mathematical instruction. The implications for teaching underscore the need for instructional designs that prioritize both conceptual and contextual learning.
KEYWORDS
Substitution, Everyday Mathematics, Phenomenography, Middle School Mathematics.
CITATION (APA)
Cudjoe, M., Ebenezer, J., & Ofori-Dankwa, J. (2025). Eighth-Grade Students' Conceptions of Substitution in Everyday Life: A Phenomenography. Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 8(SI), 135-159. https://doi.org/10.31756/jrsmte.416SI
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