Mental Mathematics strategy: a necessary tool for enhancing upper basic education students achievement, and retention in numbers and numerations in Nigeria
Date
2019-08
Authors
Obgo
Opeyemi, Enoch
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
This study examined the use of mental mathematics stratew as a necessary tool in
enhancing students achievement and retention in upper basic education number and
numeration in Oju and Otukpo local government areas of Zone C Education areas of
Benue state, Nigeria. The study adopted quasi-experimental design of nonrandomized
pre-test/post-test and control group. The sample consisted of 198 upper basic education
ii made up of 102 male and 96 female drawn from four Universal Basic Education
(UBE) schools in Oju and Otukpo local government areas of Benue state using
multistage sampling technique. One research instrument number and numeration
achievement test (NNAT) was designed by the researcher and used for the study. The
reliability coefficient was determined using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 to be 0.94
for NNAT. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of analysis of
covariance to test hypotheses. Finding of the study reveals that students that were taught
number and numeration using mental mathematics strategy exhibited higher
achievement and retention in number and numeration than those who were taught using
conventional method. In addition the use of mental mathematics strategy did not
significantly differentiate between genders (male and female) students scores in number
and numeration. These findings have implications for mathematics teachers and stake
holders in mathematics education. Based on the finding, it was recommended among
others that mental mathematics strategy be adopted and used in teaching mathematics
in upper basic education.
Description
Paper presented at the 5th Strathmore International Mathematics Conference (SIMC 2019), 12 - 16 August 2019, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
Keywords
Mental mathematics, Upper basic education, Students achievement, Numerations.