Abstract
The major purpose of study was to investigate the effects of using problem solving method on students’ achievement in teaching mathematics at elementary level. Pre-test post-test design was used in the study. Results were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test. From the findings it was observed that the use of problem solving method enhanced the achievement of the students in mathematics. The result showed that there was significant difference between the effectiveness of traditional teaching method and problem solving method in teaching of mathematics at elementary level. The study recommended that the teachers should be encouraged to employ problem solving method in teaching mathematical concepts like set, information handling and geometry etc. Regular training, workshops and seminars should be arranged for teachers to give them knowledge and understanding of problem based learning.
Highlights
When we examine the related literature it is seen that research studies focused on the use of problem based learning in elementary, secondary and higher education have been reached by 1980s (Gallagher, 1997 & Lambros,2002)
Evidence of poor performance in mathematics by elementary school students highlight the facts that the most desired technological, scientific and business application for mathematics cannot be sustained. This makes it paramount to seek for a strategy for teaching mathematics that aims at improving its understanding and performance by students practically (Okigbo & Osuafor, 2008)
There exists a significant difference in the achievement of mathematics students taught through problem solving method and traditional method
Summary
Okereke (2006) stated that mathematics is the science of things that have a pattern of regularity and logical order and finding and exploring the regularity. In the problem based learning model the students’ turn from passive listeners of information receivers to active, free self-learner and problem solvers. It shifts the emphasis of educational programs from teaching to learning. Evidence of poor performance in mathematics by elementary school students highlight the facts that the most desired technological, scientific and business application for mathematics cannot be sustained This makes it paramount to seek for a strategy for teaching mathematics that aims at improving its understanding and performance by students practically (Okigbo & Osuafor, 2008). We include problem solving in school mathematics because it can stimulate the interest and enthusiasm of the students (Wilson, 1993)
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