Using geometer’s sketchpad to enhance the ability to locate the coordinates of the image of a geometrical object under rigid motion in a cartesian plane of senior high school 4 students of Osei Tutu II College

Abstract

This research work was set out to see, if Geometer’s Sketchpad could be used to enhance the ability level of SHS 4 students of Osei Tutu II College in the location of the coordinate of the image of a point or geometrical object under Rigid Motion in a Cartesian plane. A non-probability sampling technique known as purposive sampling was employed to select the sample for the study. In all, 45 SHS 4 students comprising 34 girls and 11 boys were involved in the study. The main research instruments and methods used for the collection of data on the students’ ability level on the topic were Tests, Observation and Unstructured Interview. The theoretical framework behind the study was constructivist theory of learning. Based on the theoretical framework, students were guided through activities using Geometer’s Sketchpad with the aim of helping them to develop on their own, a practical procedure for finding the coordinate of the image of a point under a given Rigid Motion instead of relying on memorised formulae to do so. The findings of the study revealed that there has been a drastic improvement in the students’ ability level as far as the study of the Rigid Motion is concerned, which is as the result of the intervention put in place using Geometer’s Sketchpad. It was also observed that the students have developed more positive attitude towards the use of Geometer’s Sketchpad as they use the software to explore other mathematics concepts without any initial instructions from any teacher. The researcher therefore recommended that Geometer’s Sketchpad must be used as teaching and learning material for mathematics especially in the teaching of Rigid Motion