Improving Students' Interest in Solving Algebraic Word Problems Using Aesthetic Value Approach

M.S. Kurumeh ； M.A. Chiawa

《Research Journal of Mathematics and Statistics》 1卷2期 (2009/11) Pp. 59-64

並列摘要

This study determined the effectiveness of Aesthetic Value Approach (AVA) in improving SS1 students' interest in solving algebraic word problems. It adopted a quasi experiment of non-equivalent control group design .A sample of 240 SS1 students from six intact classes randomly drawn from three coeducational secondary schools in Makurdi LGA of Benue State were involved in the study. An Interest Inventory on Algebraic Word Problem Solving (AWPSⅡ) developed by the researchers was used for measuring students' interest. The reliability coefficient of AWPSⅡ was 0.67. Mean and Standard deviation were used to answer the two research questions while ANCOVA was used to test the three null Hypotheses at p＜0.05. The study, among other things, revealed that students taught algebraic word problems using Aesthetic Value Approach (AVA) showed significantly higher interest than those taught the same topics with Conventional Method (F1,0.239=157.085, p＜0.05). Aesthetic Value Approach (AVA) favored male students more significantly than their female counterparts (F1,0.239=9.627, p＜0.05). It was therefore recommended among others that teachers of mathematics should adopt Aesthetic Value Approach (AVA) in teaching mathematics concepts since AVA was found effective in improving students’ interest in algebra.

並列關鍵字

Aesthetic value ； algebraic word problem ； interaction effect ； mean interest ； stimulating experience ； students' interest