Investigation of college students\u27 cognitive performance in trigonometry in a problem based learning environment

This exploratory investigation was aimed to determine the level of conceptual understanding and solution strategies of twenty selected Nautical students in Trigonometry. Using qualitative techniques, it sought to reveal the students\u27 problem solving strategies and performance on selected topics in Trigonometry. The students\u27 answers to the seatworks and quizzes and their responses to the teaching interview were analyzed using Novotna\u27s problem solving strategies and the indicators in the combined Van Hiele-SOLO model. The data showed consistent use of algebraic solutions in the upper group while inconsistent choice of solution strategies was observed in the middle and lower groups. This difference is attributed to the degree of difficulty of the mathematical concepts involved in the given problem. Evidences from this study showed the importance of maximizing the use of problem solving as a strategy in the classroom and the need for Mathematics teachers to understand how their students think and to address the issue of reading comprehension when doing mathematical tasks. This study also foregrounds the need for Mathematics educators to look into models of mathematical performance such as the Van Hiele and SOLO models to assess the performance of their students