Page 205 - Jurnal Pendidikan Tingkatan Enam 2019 - Jilid 3

JURNAL PENDIDIKAN TINGKATAN ENAM 2019 JILID 3

IMPROVING THE SKILLS OF SOLVING FIRST ORDER LINEAR
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS USING THE “KIMCI CERIA” TECHNIQUE

Mohamad Afiq bin Anuar
Kolej Tingkatan Enam Desa Mahkota, Kepong, WP Kuala Lumpur

Abstract 12

In sixth form Mathematics, the first order linear differential equations requires accurate problem
solving skills. This skill was not mastered by the sixth formers of Kolej Tingkatan Enam Desa
Mahkota. Students were not able to correctly follow the essential working steps during the problem-
solving process. From the pre-test, students were found to have an average score of 38.33%. To
address this problem, the “KIMCI CERIA” technique was introduced. The study focussed on nine
6AS4 students comprising of eight males and one female student. The aim was to improve students’
skills in solving first order linear differential equations. As a result of the technique, the post-test result
averaged a 90.56% score. Furthermore, 100% of the students were able to choose and present the
right working steps to solve the equations. The “KIMCI CERIA” technique had successfully enhanced
students' skills in solving first order linear differential equations.

Keywords: “KIMCI CERIA”, Mathematics, first order linear differential equations, integrations.

1.0 REFLECTIONS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

The sixth form Mathematics is markedly of a different level compared to the Certificate of
Education Malaysia (SPM) level Mathematics. The researcher found that a background of
Mathematics helped further deeper understanding of the subject. However, for students
who are not familiar with the Mathematical terms, the subject can become difficult, less
interesting and boring. Realising this, the researcher believes there is need to create
an interesting and fun way of teaching to change students’ mentality and perception.
Compared to the knowledge they have gained previously, which is differentiation and
integration during the Certificate of Education Malaysia (SPM), the differentiatial equation
is certainly something new and strange to them. This indirectly caused them to fear the
topic of differential equation.

The researcher has found during the teaching and learning sessions that students found
difficulty to determine the most appropriate method to use in solving differential equations.
They are confused whether to choose the variable isolation method, the replacement
method, or the integrating factor method. Although the diffirent methods have been
introduced many times, students still failed to grasp the concept of differential equations.
Moreover,even if they choose the right solving method, they tend to forget the working
steps needed to solve the problem. In Mathematics, it is very important for the students to
show all the working steps accurately. Failure to show the full working steps will result in
a score deduction in the examination. Therefore, through the observation made, two main

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