Abstracts Category : Other

The effect of integration of geogebra software in the teaching of circle geometry on grade 11 students' achievement

by Alfred Chimuka

This study investigated the effect of integration of GeoGebra into the teaching ofcircle geometry on Grade 11 students achievement. The study used a quasiexperimental,non-equivalent control group design to compare achievement, VanHiele levels, and motivation of students receiving instruction using GeoGebra andthose instructed with the traditional talk-and-chalk method.Two samples of sizes n = 22 (experimental) and n = 25 (control) drawn from twosecondary schools in one circuit of the Vhembe district, Limpopo Province in SouthAfrica were used. A pilot study sample of size n = 15, was carried out at differentschools in the same circuit, in order to check the reliability and validity of the researchinstruments, and statistical viability. The results of the pilot study were shown to bereliable, valid and statistically viable. The study was informed by the action, process,object, schema (APOS) and Van Hiele theories, as the joint theoretical framework,and the literature search concentrated on technology integration, especiallyGeoGebra, in the teaching and learning of mathematics. The literature was also reviewed on the integration of computer technology (ICT) intomathematics teaching and learning, ICT and mathematical achievement, and ICTand motivation. The study sought to answer three research questions which werehypothetically tested for significance. The findings of this study revealed that therewas a significant difference in the achievement of students instructed with GeoGebracompared to those instructed with the traditional teaching method (teacher talk-andchalk).The average achievement of the experimental group was higher than that ofthe control group. Significant differences were also established on the Van Hielelevels of students instructed with GeoGebra and those instructed without thissoftware at Levels 1 and 2, while there were no significant differences at Levels 3, 4and 5. The experimental group achieved a higher group average at the visualisationand analysis Van Hiele levels. It was also statistically inferred from questionnairesthrough chi-square testing, that students instructed with GeoGebra were moremotivated to learn circle geometry than those instructed without the softwareAdvisors/Committee Members: Ogbonnaya, Ugorji Iheanachor (advisor).