“A” Maths Potential Program: A Case Study of Mathematical Learning Using Technology-Based Approach

Abstract

Since the past two decades, it is evident that technological tools in assisting T&L practices has growth rapidly particularly in Malaysia higher education sector. To date, in the context of teaching mathematics for tertiary level students, it plays important role as most students are equipped with latest technology gadgets such as smart phones and tablets. Thus, it appears that technology-based T&L approach would be of benefits especially for students who are lacking of skills in mathematics. At the UiTM (Perak) in particular, the past records showed that there was an increase in failure rates over time in mathematics subjects. For this reason, a case study was conducted which involved 235 students who enrolled in Calculus 1 (MAT183). An interactive T&L approach has been implemented, that is, both human and technology-based supports (innovative Tablet PC teaching) were used as tools for teaching in November 2013 session. It was conducted throughout the session and hence, a quantitative method was employed via students’ feedback in survey as well as their final examination results. The findings showed that the interactive T&L approach was deemed to be useful for students’ learning of mathematics (more than 90 %) and the use of Tablet PC as teaching tool was highly regarded by students (at least two third). Moreover, there was a decline in failure rates particularly on students’ final examination results in November 2013 session (failure rates were recorded less than 25 %) compared to the past four semesters exam results. Consequently, this indicates that the interactive approach of T&L has been successful in helping students’ understanding and learning of mathematics.