Efficacy of Differentiated Instruction and Conventional Methods on Low Achievers’ Interest in Learning and Gender

Abstract

The need to seek for innovative teaching methods to enhance the interest of mathematics low achievers necessitated this study. This study examined the effect of differentiated instruction on low achievers’ interest in mathematics based on gender. The sample size for the study consists of 66 males and 80 females identified mathematics low achievers. The researchers used multi-stage sampling technique. Mathematics Interest Rating Scale was the instrument used in collecting data. The pre-test and post-test data were analyzed using mean, standard deviations and Analysis of Covariance. Results revealed that the use of differentiated instruction in teaching mathematics low achievers in primary school increased their interest in mathematics than conventional method. Influence of gender on interest of mathematics low achievers is significant. The interaction effect of instructional strategies and gender on mathematics interest of low achievers is not significant. The study provided empirical evidence that differentiated instruction acted as valuable tool for enhancing interest and achievement in mathematics therefore, researchers may benefit from the outcome of this article for further research. The data could serve as reference point for empirical study. Curriculum designers and text books authors may include information on the method in children’s’ text book.