ERIC Number: EJ1086006
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1925-4741
EISSN: N/A
The Impact of Hands-On-Approach on Student Academic Performance in Basic Science and Mathematics
Ekwueme, Cecilia O.; Ekon, Esther E.; Ezenwa-Nebife, Dorothy C.
Higher Education Studies, v5 n6 p47-51 2015
Children can learn mathematics and sciences effectively even before being exposed to formal school curriculum if basic Mathematics and Sciences concepts are communicated to them early using activity oriented (Hands-on) method of teaching. Mathematics and Science are practical and activity oriented and can best be learnt through inquiry (Okebukola in Mandor, 2002) and through intelligent manipulation of objects and symbols (Ekwueme, 2007). The study tries to ascertain the impact of Hands-on-approach on the students' academic performance and the students' opinion about this activity-based methodology. The general objective is to assess the impact and provide another platform for students to display their understanding of what they have learnt other than the usual written tests with memorized formulae. The activity focuses on Mensuration and Geometry (with 25% questions in each area) and separation of mixtures (pure and impure substances). This paper includes the analysis of the feedback of the pre-test and post-test scores of the students before and after the Hands-on-approach was given as well as students' interview responses. The study showed positive improvement on both the students' performance and participation on mathematics and basic science activities and willingness on the part of the teachers to use Hands-on-approach in communicating mathematical and scientific concepts to their students.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Academic Achievement, Science Achievement, Mathematics Achievement, Experiential Learning, Student Attitudes, Correlation, Feedback (Response), Pretests Posttests, Scientific Concepts, Mathematical Concepts, Geometry, Secondary School Students, Measurement, Mathematics Instruction, Science Instruction, Measures (Individuals), Chemistry, Questionnaires, Interviews
Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1120 Finch Avenue West Suite 701-309, Toronto, OH M3J 3H7, Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: hes@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/hes
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nigeria
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A