The impacts of using concept conceptual maps on mathematics student's understanding of trigonometric functions

The main purpose of this research was to study and recognize the effect of using concept maps as an assessment tool in students'' learning of trigonometric functions. For this، in a case study، the mathematical knowledge of 13 second grade high school students in the field of mathematics was tested. The students were divided into three groups of the same level. The test was about trigonometry function. To take the test، both the concept map and written exam were used. To check the comparison of the students'' performance in concept map and traditional written exam، the first group completed the concept maps and then answers the written exam questions. The second group answered written exam questions، first، and then completed the concept maps. The third group just answered the written exam questions. Then، to check the effect of concept map in learning of students، all the them were required to answer one question under category of collective test about trigonometry function. The result of this research indicated that concept maps are able to show some of students'' misconceptions about trigonometry function، that weren''t possible with traditional written exam. Moreover، the use of concept maps as an assessment tool can improve students'' learning. It should be noted that the concept maps is not a comprehensive evidence of student understanding. In this study، some of the common mistakes made by students in the use of procedures، such as solving trigonometric equations or draw a trigonometric function was better in the traditional written exam.