Cooperative Learning and Interest in Mathematics: A Precursor for Creativity and Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics Education in FCE Zaria, Kaduna State Nigeria
[1]
Mohammed Sani Mashina, Department of Mathematics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
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.
Cooperative Learning, Interest, Creativity and Innovation
[1]
Abdolahi, S. H; Alamolhoda, S. H & Aminifar, E (2009). The effectiveness of working memory and mathematics anxiety on students’ mathematics with different learning style in calculus word problem solving. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education. Penang, Malaysia.
[2]
Adentunde, I. A. (2007). Improving the teaching and learning of mathematics in second cycle institutions in Ghana. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 4(3), 340-344.
[3]
Akinsola, M. K. & Animasahun, I. A. (2007). The effect of simulation – games environment on student’s achievement in and attitude to mathematics in secondary schools. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 6 (3), ISSN: 1303 – 6521.
[4]
Ale, S.O (2005). Mathematics improvement project: A way to enhance students’ performance in mathematics .Nigerian Journal of professional Teachers, 1 (1), 7-21.
[5]
Azuka, E .L. F. (2009). The challenges of mathematics in Nigeria economic goals of vision 2010. A paper presented at the 34th Annual Conference of Mathematics Association of Nigeria. Held at the College of Education Zuba, Abuja from 11th – 16th September, 2009.
[6]
Buerk, D. (1994). Empowering Students by Promoting Active Learning in Mathematics: Teachers Speak to Teachers. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
[7]
David & Roger Johnson., (2001). An Overview of Cooperative Learning. Retrieved from http://www.clcrc.com/pages/overviewpaper.html
[8]
Eshun-Famiyeh, J. (2005). Early number competencies of children at the start of formal education. African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences, 3(3), 21-31.
[9]
Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T., & Stanne, M. B. (2000). Cooperative learning methods: A meta-analysis. Retrieved February 5, 2014, from http://www.cooperative.org/pages/cl.ht
[10]
Keith, J., (2000). The student experience of mathematical proof at University level, International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 31 (1), No. 1, 53-60.
[11]
Kola, E. B., Ala, E. A. O., & Olatunji, O. A (2014). Previous cognitive entry points as prediction of students’ performance in SSCE mathematics in some Nigerian secondary schools. Education Research, 4(1), 7-11.
[12]
Makinde, A. O. (2012). Some methods of effective teaching and learning of mathematics. Journal of Education and Practice, 3(7), 53-55.
[13]
Mbacho, N. W., & Githua, B. N. (2013). Effects of Jigsaw cooperative learning strategy on students’ achievement in secondary school mathematics in Laikipai east District, Kenya. Asian Journal of management Sciences and Education, 2(3), 177-188.
[14]
Mamman, M. (2012). Research designs for students in education. Department of Science Education Postgraduate Seminar Series, 1(1), 1-7.
[15]
O’kwu, E. I., & Orun, C. C (2013). Junior secondary school certificate examination results as predictor of students’ performance in mathematics at the senior secondary school certificate examination in Benue State, Nigeria. Educational Research, 4(2), 130-133.
[16]
Popoola, F. R., & Olarewaju, R. R (2010). Factors responsible for the poor performance of students in mathematics in Nigerian secondary schools. Journal of Research in Education and Society, 1(2&3).
[17]
Prendergast, M. (2011). Promoting student interest in mathematics. Resource and Research Guides, 2(9), 1-4.
[18]
Sheffield, L. J (2008). Promoting creativity for all students in mathematics education. Proceedings of group 9. 11th International Congress on Mathematical Education. Held in Monterry, Mexico from 6th – 13th July, 2008.
[19]
Shuaibu, G. (2012). A study of students’ learning difficulties in mathematics in Kano metropolis. Journal of Education Research and Development, 7(3), 15- 20.
[20]
Timayi, J. M. (2014). Repositioning education through the analysis of mathematics anxiety among universal basic education teachers for access, quality and peaceful co-existence. A paper presented at the annual Multi-Cultural African Conference of the Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Held from the 12th – 16th August, 2014.
[21]
Usman, K.O. (2002). The Need to Retrain in-Service Mathematics Teachers for Attainment of the Objectives of Universal Basic Education (UBE). A Journal of Mathematical Association of Nigeria (ABACUS) 27(1), 37-44.
[22]
Willis, J. (2010). Learning to love math: Teaching strategies that change student attitudes and get results, USA, ASCD.
