Effects of interactive teaching and learning methods in the acquisition of basic maths concepts by mildly mentally retarded learners. A case of secondary schools in Chiredzi district.
- Author
- Mpandawana, Julieth
- Title
- Effects of interactive teaching and learning methods in the acquisition of basic maths concepts by mildly mentally retarded learners. A case of secondary schools in Chiredzi district.
- Abstract
- This study aimed to investigate the effects of interactive teaching and learning methods in the acquisition of basic maths concepts by mildly mentally retarded learners in secondary schools in Chiredzi District. The objectives guiding the study were to: explore the difficulties faced by mildly mentally retarded learners in learning Mathematics, identify the interactive teaching methods used in teaching mathematics, explore the perceptions of teachers on the use of interactive teaching methods in teaching mathematics to mildly mentally retarded learners and investigate the impact of use of interactive teaching methods in teaching mathematics to mildly mentally retarded learners. The study was guided by the intepretivist paradigm, following a qualitative research approach, and adopted the case study design. Purposive sampling was used to select information rich mathematics teachers and HODS from the district. The study used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to collect the data from the participants. The findings, of the study show that mildly mentally retarded learners face challenges in understanding abstract mathematical concepts, have fear and anxiety due to labelling from other learners, teachers use activities with manipulative materials and maths games when teaching maths to mildly mentally retarded learners, interactive methodologies are effective in improving understanding and retention of basic maths concepts, enhance learner autonomy, maths exploration and self-directed learning leading and the use of interactive methods result in improved understanding and retention of maths concepts, develop hands on experiences and practical application of mathematics. The study recommends that the ministry should ensure that teachers are professionally trained to handle mentally retarded learners, schools should have separate classes for mildly mentally retarded learners to reduce fear and anxiety, teachers should use interactive methods and activities with manipulative materials, geometry shapes as scaffolding and the ministry schools should enact enabling policies to foster the use of technology in order to motivate and increase engagement for mildly mentally retarded learners.
- Date
- June 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Basic Maths Concepts
- Mentally Retarded Learners
- Interactive Teaching and Learning Methods
- Supervisor
- Dr. E. Mangwende
- Item sets
- Faculty of Science Education
- Media
-
Mpandawana, Julieth.pdf