The Role of Representations in the Understanding of Mathematical Concepts in Higher Education: The case of Function for Economics Students

There are numerous studies about the teaching and learning of mathematics at different educational levels. In the case of higher education most studies were conducted at pedagogical departments for prospective teachers and mathematical departments. The present study concentrates on university students who attend a course on mathematics as part of a program at the Faculty of Economics and Management. It examines aspects of students’ affective and cognitive behavior in solving representation tasks concerning their understanding of exponential and logarithmic functions. Results confirmed the existence of a comprehensive model with significant interrelations among general beliefs, self-efficacy beliefs and cognitive behaviour about the use of representations in general and, in the case of the specific concept. Regression analysis indicated the predominant role the self-efficacy beliefs play in the use of representations in defining the concept of function and solving recognition and translation tasks. Implications about the teaching of mathematics in higher education are discussed.