Enhancing mathematical problem solving among form four learners using Information Technology

Author

Gugugu, Marilynn

Title

Enhancing mathematical problem solving among form four learners using Information Technology

Abstract

The study focused on exploring the enhancing Mathematical problem-solving among form four learners using Information Technology. Its objectives were to identify existing IT tools resources used in mathematics education for form four learners; to assess the impact of IT on students’ problem-solving skills through empirical studies and to develop guidelines and recommendations for integrating IT effectively into mathematics teaching. The study adopted a constructivist paradigm, qualitative approach and case study research design which used semi-structured and focus group interview guides as research instruments. From the study it emerged that the existing IT tools resources used in mathematics education for form four learners were calculators, interactive white boards, laptops, desktops, WIFI and internet resources and smartphones. In addition, on the impact of IT on students’ problem-solving skills through empirical studies it emerged that IT tools resulted in increased confidence and motivation, improved speed in task completion, increased access to diverse resources and limited skills due to limited IT tools. Finally, on guidelines and recommendations for effective ICT integration into Mathematics teaching it emerged that teacher and leadership training, ICT policy, multi-sector approach, adequate resource provision and integrated curriculum development were the guidelines and recommendations for effective ICT integration into Mathematics teaching. Thus, the study concluded that there were limited IT tools used in mathematics teaching in schools and learners were yet to fully understand how to use different ICT tools; IT motivated and empowered learners in problem solving and gave the learners confidence to showcase their learned skills and ICT policy, multi-sector approach and provision of resources were fundamental in integrating IT into mathematics teaching. Therefore, the study recommended that school leadership needs to be trained, developed and prepared for the use and implementation of ICT tools not only in mathematics but across the curriculum’s different learning areas; there is need to enhance the utilization of ICT tools in the teaching and learning of mathematics considering that ICT has been noted to be influential and highly motivational and the MOPSE need to engage different stakeholders to develop a robust IT based mathematics curriculum that require the use of IT tools in teaching and learning, formative and summative assessment.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Mathematics

Mathematics teaching

IT tool resources

Information Technology

Form Four learners

Problem solving

Supervisor

Mrs T. Mukabeta