Pre-service teachers’ performance of using algebra tiles and its effects on their performance in linear equations in two variables. The case of E.P College of Education, Bimbilla.

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of using Algebra Tiles (AT) in solving linear equations in two variables (LEQ2V); the challenges and perceptions of Pre-service teachers (PSTs) of E. P. College of Education (CoE), Bimbilla. A quasi-experimental design with mixed method approach, specifically the explanatory sequential design was adopted to collect data. The population was all the 595 level 200 PSTs of E. P. CoE, Bimbilla. Total sample was 100 PSTs comprising 58 Experimental group and 42 Control group PSTs. Sampling procedures used were convenient, purposive and simple random sampling. Instruments used were Algebra Achievement Test and questionnaires. Results from study showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the performance of experimental group and control group Pre-service teachers in using algebra tiles in solving linear equations in two variables in the pre-test. Also, individual performance of PSTs in using AT in solving linear equations in two variables in the pre-tests were very poor and indicating lack of knowledge of using AT in solving linear equations in two variables. The overall effect was that even though PSTs performance in modelling linear equations using AT was good, it did not translate into using AT in solving LEQ2V in the pre-test. The performance of PSTs in the Experimental group after the treatment in the post-test had increased tremendously from a mean of 1.26 in the pre-test to a mean of 16.57 whiles that of the PSTs in the control group remains almost the same from a mean of 1.07 in the pretest to a mean of 1.12 in the post-test. This increased in performance could largely be attributed to the treatment given to them. After analyzing comments from the questionnaire, majority of PSTs in EG indicated that the time used in solving LEQ2V was their major challenge. Also, they perceived using AT in solving linear equations in two variables to be time-consuming even though it makes the balancing method real and practical. It is recommended that College of education tutors should consciously consider using AT as an approach in solving LEQ2V and also give enough examples of the use of AT in solving linear equations in two variables to PSTs to solve to familiarize themselves with the solution processes.