Effect of using the graphical solution techniques on senior high school students’ performance in solving linear inequalities

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of graphical solution technique on students’ performance in solving lineal inequalities, and their motivation to use the method in learning mathematics. The study used the mixed method design where samples of 65 senior high school students were through convenient and purposive sampling proceudres. An innovative lesson design using the graphical solution technique was used to teach an experimental group 34 students while 31 students were also taught using the traditional methods. Achievement tests (pre-test and post-test), questionnaire and interview guide were the main instruments used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data in the quasi-experimental strategy of inquiry. The results indicated that about 77% of the students were not aware of the uses of graphical solution technique in solving linear inequalities. The results from the pre- and post- tests also indicated that the use of graphical solution technique as a tool in learning linear inequalities had a positive effect on students’ performance in solving linear inequalities. The means scores between the control and experimental groups in the post-test was not statistically significant, i.e., p > 0.05. The interview conducted on experimental group also revealed that students really motivated to learn with the graphical solution technique. Students’ were also motivated to learn on their own due to the interest they had from learning with the method. Recommendations were made based on the need for stakeholders in education such as the Ministry of education, Ghana Education service, parents and teacher education divisions to develop and implement programs to equip new teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills in graphical solution to teaching inequalities and mathematics in general.