Abstract:
The study investigated the effect of using Algebra Tiles (AT) in solving linear equations
in two variables (LEQ2V); the challenges and perceptions of Pre-service teachers (PSTs)
of E. P. College of Education (CoE), Bimbilla. A quasi-experimental design with mixed
method approach, specifically the explanatory sequential design was adopted to collect
data. The population was all the 595 level 200 PSTs of E. P. CoE, Bimbilla. Total sample
was 100 PSTs comprising 58 Experimental group and 42 Control group PSTs. Sampling
procedures used were convenient, purposive and simple random sampling. Instruments
used were Algebra Achievement Test and questionnaires. Results from study showed that
there was no statistically significant difference between the performance of experimental
group and control group Pre-service teachers in using algebra tiles in solving linear
equations in two variables in the pre-test. Also, individual performance of PSTs in using
AT in solving linear equations in two variables in the pre-tests were very poor and
indicating lack of knowledge of using AT in solving linear equations in two variables. The
overall effect was that even though PSTs performance in modelling linear equations using
AT was good, it did not translate into using AT in solving LEQ2V in the pre-test. The
performance of PSTs in the Experimental group after the treatment in the post-test had
increased tremendously from a mean of 1.26 in the pre-test to a mean of 16.57 whiles that
of the PSTs in the control group remains almost the same from a mean of 1.07 in the pretest
to a mean of 1.12 in the post-test. This increased in performance could largely be
attributed to the treatment given to them. After analyzing comments from the
questionnaire, majority of PSTs in EG indicated that the time used in solving LEQ2V was
their major challenge. Also, they perceived using AT in solving linear equations in two
variables to be time-consuming even though it makes the balancing method real and
practical. It is recommended that College of education tutors should consciously consider
using AT as an approach in solving LEQ2V and also give enough examples of the use of
AT in solving linear equations in two variables to PSTs to solve to familiarize themselves
with the solution processes.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Mathematics Education,
Faculty of Science Education submitted to the school of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Mathematics Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba