The Effect of Three Dimensional Models on the Academic Performance in Mathematics of Students in Nduluni Secondary School, Kenya

ABSTRACT 

This study set out to investigate the effects of three dimensional models on the academic performance in mathematics of students in Nduluni Secondary School, Kenya. It involved all form two students in the school. The research was guided by the following questions: - what is the profile of the learners as to age, gender and previous mathematics grade? What is the mean score in the pretest and posttest for booth the experimental and control groups? Is there a significant difference in the pretest and posttest mean scores between the experimental and control groups? Is there a significant difference in the pretest and posttest mean scores between the male and female learners in the experimental group and control group? And is there a significant difference in the posttest mean gain between the experimental and control group? The study adopted experimental design where the 80 form two students were divided into two equal groups and three sets of test administered to them. A researcher designed pretest and posttest was used to collect data for the experimental and control groups. The data obtained was analyzed statistically. The findings of this study indicated that: There is a significant difference in the pretest and posttest mean scores between male and female learners and Use of three dimensional models significantly affect performance in mathematics. The following are the conclusions based on the topic of the study. There exists a relationship between the use of three dimensional models and the academic performance in mathematics of students in Nduluni Secondary School. Therefore the null hypothesis is rejected. The theory of retention by ASESP was proven in the study. Based on the findings of the study, the following is recommended; mathematics teachers should strive to improvise and use three dimensional models in their lessons, school management should equip the mathematics laboratory with models and other teaching and learning resources and future researchers should investigate on the methods of reducing the performance gap between male and female students.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 3

Statement of the Problem 4

Purpose of the Study 4

Research Objectives 4

Research Questions 5

Hypothesis 5

Scope 6

Significance of the Study 7

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 8

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction 9

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions From Authors/Experts 9

Theoretical Perspectives 16

Related Studies 18

Three METHODOLOGY

Research Design 22

Research Population 22

Sample Size 22

Sampling Procedure 23

Research Instrument 23

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 23

Data Gathering Procedures 23

Data Analysis 25

Ethical Considerations 26

Limitations of the Study 26

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 27

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS

Findings 37

Conclusions 38

Recommendations 38

References 40

Appendices

Appendix IA - Transmittal Letter 43

Appendix lB - Transmittal Letter for the Respondents 44

Appendix III - Informed Consent 45

Appendix IV - Research Instrument 46

Appendix V — Time Frame 47

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 48