ERIC Number: EJ1249197
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Apr
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1694-609X
EISSN: N/A
Grade 12 Students' Proficiency in Solving Probability Problems Involving Contingency Tables and Tree Diagrams
Awuah, Francis K.; Ogbonnaya, Ugorji I.
International Journal of Instruction, v13 n2 p819-834 Apr 2020
Knowledge of probability is perceived as valuable in the 21st century. This knowledge enables people to understand and make informed decisions relating to uncertain events that occur in real life. Hence, many educational authorities have considered the inclusion of the teaching of probability important in their school curricula. This study investigated Grade 12 students' proficiency in solving probability problems using contingency tables and tree diagrams as aids. This study employed cross-sectional survey research design, and a mixed method research approach. Data was collected from 342 secondary school students who were conveniently selected from six schools in the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa using an achievement test. The study revealed that most of the students (97% and 91%) scored below 50% in solving probability problems involving the use of tree diagrams and contingency tables respectively. The findings show that the students were not proficient in the use of tree diagrams and contingency tables to solve probability problems. The implications of the findings of this study for teacher training and professional development, and textbook publication are discussed and recommendations made.
Descriptors: Probability, Problem Solving, Visual Aids, Grade 12, Secondary School Students, Mathematics Achievement, Foreign Countries, Secondary School Mathematics, Tables (Data)
International Journal of Instruction. Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Education, Eskisehir, 26480, Turkey. e-mail: iji@ogu.edu.tr; Web site: http://www.e-iji.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 12; High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A