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
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of MATHEMATICS EDUCATION, faculty of
SCIENCE EDUCATION. Submitted to the School of Research and Graduate
Studies, University of Education, Winneba, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for
the award of the degree of MASTER OF EDUCATION in MATHEMATICS.
DECEMBER, 2012.
