Using Problem-Based Learning to Enhance Junior High School Students’ Understanding and Attitude Towards Linear Equations Word Problems

Abstract

The study was a Quasi-experimental research project conducted to investigate on using problem-based learning to enhance the understanding of Junior High School students at Winneba University Practice Junior High School, Unipra, Winneba-Ghana on linear equation word problems solving. Two form 3 intact classes of 3A and 3B were used for the study and were assigned as control and experimental groups. The control group consists of thirty-two students and the experimental group thirty-eight students. Data was collected through pre-test and post-test essay typed questions and a questionnaire on students’ attitude to linear equations word problems. The questionnaire contained twenty likert-type questions. The independent samples t-test was used to find the differences between the groups. The experimental group differed statistically significantly on post-test scores from the control group. This study identified that problem-based learning improved students problem-solving abilities and increased students’ confidence in doing linear equation word problems because the felt more competent in working word problems in linear equations. The study also explored students’ attitude to linear equations word problems through the use of a Likert-type questionnaire. The findings showed that students’ attitude toward word problems in linear equations were generally positive. It is therefore recommended that Ghana Education Service should provide in-service training for Mathematics teachers on the use of Problem-Based learning and Mathematics teachers should also integrate problem-based learning approach in their students.

Keywords: Problem-Based Learning, Attitude

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-3-14