Students’ Performance and ICT Capabilities in Quadratic Functions Using GeoGebra

Abstract

The study explored the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) self-efficacies and students’ mathematics performance using the GeoGebra software in teaching quadratic functions to senior high school (SHS) students in the West Gonja Municipality of the savannah region. ICT capabilities were defined as the functionalities offered by ICT in mathematics education that students identify and utilize to address their learning needs, including computational and graphing capabilities. The pre-test/post-test non-equivalent control group design with a quantitative research approach were employed for data collection. A sample of 120 participants were selected from three Senior High Schools in the West Gonja Municipality via the stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through performance tests and students survey questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and correlation analysis. Notably, the study observed that there was comparable/significant difference between the posttest mean scores of students taught using GeoGebra and students taught without it. The results also indicated GeoGebra as an effective technological tool for improving students’ computational and graphing competencies, both of which revealed significant and positive association with mathematics performance. Analysis of the responses of students' opinions/perceptions of GeoGebra as an ICT tool in teaching quadratic functions revealed an overwhelming majority of students had positive perceptions of GeoGebra, considering it an effective tool for teaching and learning quadratic functions, enhancing their understanding, computational skills, and motivation. They also expressed willingness to recommend it to their peers, indicating strong support for its integration into mathematics education. As a result, the study proposed the full integration of ICT into the SHSs’ curriculum. Additionally, it recommended focusing on enhancing the ICT competencies of SHS students to effectively leverage ICT in their educational endeavors.