The Status and Practice of Active Learning in Teachinglearning Mathematics in Some Selected Perparatory Secondary Schools of Southern Zone of Tigiray Region
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Date
2011-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the status and practice of active learning and to
identify those factors influencing the practice of active learning approach in teaching learning
mathematics in some selected Preparatory Secondary Schools of Southern Zone of
Tigiray Regional State. Moreover, an attention was given how active learning approach was
practiced in teaching-learning of mathematics in the study area. Therefore, this research
focused on investigating the status and practice of active learning and related problems to the
practice of active learning approach as well as in finding solution for those problems under
the study area. In line with this, the researcher used descriptive survey design as a research
design in order to have clear picture about the status and practice of active learning
approach in teaching-learning mathematics in the study area. Accordingly, four sample
schools were selected using random sampling techniques. Furthermore 373 students from the
sample schools were selected to fill the questionnaires provided for them by using stratified
and simple random sampling techniques. And all mathematics teachers of these schools were
included under the study to fill teachers’ questionnaires and for the purpose interview.
Moreover document analysis and observation was also made by the researcher to get more
data regarding the status and practice of active learning under study. Finally the findings of
the study generally indicated that most of mathematics teachers had good understanding
about active learning approach but they had major problems on how to practice it with in the
class room. Some of the major factors that affects the practice active learning approach
were lack of professional support, encouragement and understanding of the administration
towards active learning, lack of resources like reference books and other supportive teaching
materials , teachers lack of interest towards their profession,, lack of students understanding
and their attitude towards active learning, tendency of teachers towards the traditional
teaching method , shortage of time, volume of the text books (its contents are too vast),
students lack of confidence (frightened) and basic knowledge of mathematics from the lower
grade as well as lack of awareness of doing mathematics exercise regularly, and finally large
class size . Therefore, due to those factor majorities of the teachers used rarely active
learning approach in teaching-learning mathematics in the study area.
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Keywords
Active Learning in Teaching learning Mathematics