USES OF GEOGEBRA SOFTWARE TO IMPROVE UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS’ LEARNING OUTCOME IN GEOMETRY IN MINNA, NIGER STATE.

Abstract

This study investigates the uses of GeoGebra software to improve Upper Primary School Pupils’ learning outcome in Geometry in Minna, Niger State. It employed a quasi-experimental research design of pre-test and post-test within group. The population of this study comprises of all the pupils in Basic 5 in a selected primary school in Minna, Niger State. The instruments were validated by experts in Mathematics education from the department of Science Education, Abubakar Tafawa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State. The reliability of the instruments; the Geometry Achievement Test (GAT) and the Pupils’ Motivation Questionnaire (PMQ) was established through internal consistency measures. Since a pilot study was not conducted, the reliability was estimated based on the nature and structure of the test items and supported by findings from similar validated studies in Mathematics education. Data was collected in three phases; before, during and after the GeoGebra intervention. The GAT measured pupils’ performance before and after the lessons, while the PMQ assessed their motivation immediately after the intervention. The findings of this study revealed that the use of GeoGebra software in teaching geometry significantly improves pupils’ learning outcomes and motivation compared to the pupil’s learning outcome before teaching using GeoGebra software and they were motivated using GeoGebra to solve geometry  It was concluded that integrating GeoGebra into classroom instruction offers a powerful means of addressing pupils’ learning difficulties in geometry and improving their overall performance in mathematics. The study recommended that pupils at the primary school level should be given access to ICT, internet facilities and trained to help in the active use of GeoGebra software.