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Cooperative Learning and Interest in Mathematics: A Precursor for Creativity and Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics Education in FCE Zaria, Kaduna State Nigeria
Current Issue
Volume 2, 2015
Issue 3 (September)
Pages: 50-53   |   Vol. 2, No. 3, September 2015   |   Follow on         
Paper in PDF Downloads: 55   Since Aug. 28, 2015 Views: 1624   Since Aug. 28, 2015
Authors
[1]
Mohammed Sani Mashina, Department of Mathematics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study is on cooperative learning strategy and interest in mathematics as a precursor for creativity and innovation in science, technology and mathematics education in Nigeria. The One-Short Case Design (OSCD) involving a treatment and a posttest was used. The population to the study comprised the junior secondary school students of Demonstration Secondary School, Federal College of Education, (FCE) Zaria. The sample of the study comprised 126 students drawn at random; two groups of students one experimental (N = 64) and the other control (N = 62) were involved. Two instruments were used in the study, these are the Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) and the Mathematics Interest Inventory (MII). MAT had a Cronbach alpha reliability value of 0.78 when subjected to the split-half reliability method and MII gave r = 0.86 when it was subjected to the product moment correlation coefficient. The study revealed that students exposed to the cooperative learning strategy performed better than those taught by the conventional method. Also, the cooperative learning strategy brings about higher interest in mathematics among students. The study recommends that mathematics teachers should explore the use of the many cooperative learning strategies available for use in the classroom in secondary schools and the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education in conjunction with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) and the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) should develop new curricular that gives room for cooperative learning which can lead to creativity and innovations as a byproduct of learning mathematics.
Keywords
Cooperative Learning, Interest, Creativity and Innovation
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