The effect of Constructivism on Students’ Performance in Solving Mathematical Problems under Trigonometry

Abstract

This paper is an action research which involves a sample of thirty five (35) second year students of Akontombra Senior High School comprising 24 males and 11 females. The study was aimed at using the constructivist approach to enhance students’ competence in solving word problems under trigonometry. Prior to the study, it was observed that the students were not able to understand and solve word problems under trigonometry. The constructivist approach of teaching and learning was employed as the intervention strategy and series of activities was carried out. The pre – test and post – test scores obtained by the students were analyzed quantitatively based on the research questions of the study. Comparatively, the results obtained from the pre – test and post – test showed a significant improvement on the students’ ability to solve word problems under trigonometry. It was then inferred from the results that the constructivist teaching and learning methodology employed during the intervention phases enhanced the academic achievements of the students. The constructivist approach to teaching encouraged students to participate in the process and environment of teaching and learning and to promote mathematics as a creative and meaningful activity that involves interpretation, effort and exploration.