Performance and Retention of Secondary School Students in Algebraic Processes Using MATLAB in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

The study looked at how well secondary school students in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, performed and retained algebra lessons using the MATLAB computing package. It used a quasi-experimental design with 160 students (80 boys and 80 girls) out of a population of 8,587. The students were chosen randomly. Four research questions and four hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 significance level. The tools used were the Algebraic Process Achievement Test (APAT) and the Algebraic Process Retention Test (APRT), which were validated and found reliable with a KR-21 coefficient of 0.83. The results showed that students taught with MATLAB did better and retained more than those taught with traditional methods. The study recommends that math teachers use MATLAB to improve students’ performance and retention in algebra. The study also added to the existing knowledge on this topic.