Investigating the effect of geogebra learning tool on the acquisition of concepts in circle theorems by senior high school students in Anloga district

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to investigate the effect of GeoGebra learning tool on the acquisition of concepts in circle theorems by Senior High School Students in Anloga district in Volta region. The study used mixed method research design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to answer the various research questions. The sample of about 101 SHS 3 students comprising 50 in the control group and 51 in the experimental group and 10 mathematics teachers from the two schools were randomly and conveniently selected respectively for the study. The study lasted for three weeks. Circle Theorems Achievement Tests (CTAT) was administered to both intact classes (control and experimental) as pre-test and after the intervention a similar CTAT was administered as post-test. During treatment, the experimental group was taught using GeoGebra learning tool while the traditional instruction was applied to the control group. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. However, interview data showed students negative attitudes and teachers’ teaching methods (use of traditional teaching method) were the main cause of students’ poor performance in circle theorems. Also, independent samples t-test results revealed that the traditional method did not have significant impact on the academic performance of students in circle theorem. It was revealed that Geogebra learning tool has significantly improved achievement of students in circle theorem. The result of the independent-t test comparing the post-test results of the two groups showed that there was a significant difference between mean performance scores of the control group (M = 22.26, SD = 4.575) compared to Experimental group (M = 44.76, SD = 5.054); t(99) = 3.985, hence, the null hypothesis that there is no statistically significant difference in the mean post scores between students utilizing GeoGebra learning tool and traditional method was rejected as p = 0.000 < 0.05.The finding showed that there is a statistically significant positive effect for students who used GeoGebra learning tool to learn circle theorems. Students taught with GeoGebra teaching tool performed better than their counterparts who used traditional teaching method to learn circle theorems. Also, the GeoGebra teaching tool made the lessons more interesting, practical and easy to acquire concepts. It was concluded that the Geogebra teaching tool increased students’ conceptual understanding in circle theorems and hence increased students’ achievement in circle theorems than the traditional instruction. Thus, Geogebra teaching tool as a supplement to traditional teaching method is more effective than traditional instruction alone. It was recommended that teachers should incorporate GeoGebra teaching aid in the teaching of circle theorems.