Developing secondary students’ mathematics problem-solving abilities through collaborative learning in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State

Abstract

The study dealt with the development of students' problem-solving ability in mathematics through Collaborative Learning Strategy (CLS) in secondary schools in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. Based on the objectives of the study, 3 research questions and 3 hypotheses were addressed. The quasi-experimental research design was adopted in the study. Two coeducational schools were purposively selected for the study and a sample of 236 SS2 students from four intact classes was used for the study. A sample of 195 SS2 students were selected for the study. The data required for the study was collected using a researcher-made objective test titled "Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT)". Kuder Richardson 20 formula (KR20) was used to arrive at a reliability coefficient of 0.90 for the instrument. The Collaborative Learning Strategy (CLS) was used to teach mathematics to the experiment group, while the Traditional Approach was used for the control group. To address the research issues, the collected data were examined using the mean and standard deviation, and the ANCOVA statistical technique was utilized to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study revealed that Collaborative Learning Strategy (CLS) enhanced students' problem-solving ability in mathematics which was evident in their improved achievement. There was no significant difference between the problem-solving abilities of low and high achievers in mathematics as shown by their achievements. There was no interaction effect between Collaborative Learning Strategy (CLS) and students Gender. Based on the result it was recommended that Teachers should employ a Collaborative Learning Strategy (CLS) in teaching mathematics at the secondary school level to enhance students' problem-solving abilities.