This paper explored pre-service teachers’ perceptions and knowledge of trigonometric concepts. Convenience sampling technique was used to select a sample of 119 (25 females, 94 males) second year science/mathematics pre-service teachers from two Colleges of Education in the Northern Region of Ghana. Trigonometry Perception Questionnaire (TPQ) and Trigonometry Assessment Test (TAT) were used to collect data on pre-service teachers’ perceptions and conceptual knowledge of trigonometry. Data were coded and keyed into Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS version 20) and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results suggested that pre-service teachers perceived trigonometry as abstract, difficult and boring to learn; and had limited conceptual knowledge of basic trigonometric concepts. Consequently, more that 50% of them were unable to construct and reconstruct the appropriate mental structures for meaningful understanding to enable them respond to important basic trigonometry tasks. To achieve quality mathematics education, teacher educators must change their instructional practice and teach for understanding. Since understanding is the key to teacher’s instructional actions, processes and knowledge, we recommend teaching trigonometry for understanding during teacher preparation.
This study explored the effect of PowerPoint integration on students’ motivation and achievement in less endowed Senior High Schools (SHSs). The study employed the embedded mixed method approach involving quasi-experimental design in which 80 students were randomly selected from two government-assisted Senior High Schools and assigned to control and experimental groups. Teacher-made Pre- and Post-Geometry Achievement Tests (GAT) and semi-structured interviews were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. During treatment, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was integrated using PowerPoint presentation to teach the experimental group while the control group was taught by conventional instruction approach. Both pre-GAT and post-GAT were administered to participants and their responds were scored to obtain quantitative data. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test were used to analyze the GAT scores while the qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The results showed that participants in both groups had improved in their post-GAT compared to their pre-GAT. However, it was revealed that study participants in the experimental group achieved better in the post-GAT than those in the control group. It was also revealed that there was no influence of gender in the achievement of the group taught by PPT presentation. Finally, the findings revealed that ICT integration promotes students’ motivation. In conclusion, ICT integration approach to teaching and learning mathematics concepts was found to promote students’ motivation and increased achievement in mathematics than the conventional instruction. The implications for practice and research are discussed.
We explored junior high school teachers' knowledge and the impact of indigenous games in teaching basic mathematical concepts. The researchers employed the qualitative phenomenological design to address the purpose, objectives and research questions. The accessible sampling was used to sample 70 teachers (65 males, 5 females) for phase one of the study. Out of 70 teachers, five (three males and two females) were purposively sampled for the study's second phase. Two instruments, a semi-structured interview guide and an observation checklist were used to collect data. The data was analyzed thematically to reflect the research questions. The findings of both phases revealed that most teachers had adequate knowledge of indigenous games and knew the impact of indigenous games on students’ learning of mathematics. In particular, the observation checklist showed that some teachers still adhered to the traditional approach (a direct teaching method) and required the knowledge of indigenous games to enhance their teaching skills and techniques. Therefore, in-service training, workshops and other continuous professional development should be organized to update teachers' knowledge on the effective use of indigenous games in the teaching and learning of mathematics.
This study explored Ghanaian primary school teachers' values and challenges of integrating cultural games in teaching mathematics. Using an In-depth conversational interview, ten (10) certificated teachers' voices on the values and challenges of integrating games were examined. Thematic data analysis was applied to the qualitative data from the interviews. Results indicated that although cultural games count as instructional tools in four knowledge domains, actualizing their value in the classroom appears problematic for lack of game-based pedagogical know-how. The study recommended looking into the classroom for a complete understanding of the values and challenges of integrating games in teaching and learning mathematics.
The study explored the curriculum guidelines and primary school teachers' conceptions and practices of the Multiple Solutions Approach (MSA) in teaching mathematics using basic qualitative research design. Informal conversation interviews (ICIs), observations, video and document analyses were used to collect data. Participants included a purposive sample of five practicing teachers from three districts of the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive analytical procedures were applied to the quantitative data while the qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated that the curriculum materials lacked concrete direction for MSA and less than 22% of sub-topics were presented in different ways: a provision that is insufficient to guide and stimulate teachers to teach in multiple ways. Teachers also lacked a clear understanding of the MSA. Although the curriculum policy encouraged MSA, teachers' practices were inconsistent with the curriculum guidelines. The implementation of MSA was limited by inadequate curriculum provisions and teacher knowledge.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.