Effect of computer simulation instructional package on senior secondary school mathematics students’ retention in arithmetic progression in Lavun Local Government area of Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of computer simulation instructional package on senior secondary school mathematics students’ retention in arithmetic progression in Lavun Local Government area of Niger State. Quazi-experimental design was employed and the sample for the study consists of 156 SSII students from two intact classes in two purposively selected public schools in the study area. Mathematics Achievement Test consisting of 25 multiple choice items was used as instrument for data collection. Test retest method was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument and a reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained. The data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) statistics. Findings revealed that students taught arithmetic progression through computer simulated instructional package retained the concept learnt more than their counterparts taught using conventional lecture method. However, there was no significant difference in the retention of boys and girls taught using the package. It could be deduced that the use of computer simulation instructional package can serve as a viable alternative or supplement to conventional lecture method of teaching. The package was therefore recommended to be used by mathematics teachers to supplement conventional lecture method in the teaching and learning of arithmetic progression with a view to improving students’ retention of the concept.