Benue State University, Makurdi

EFFECT OF SOLVE MNEMONIC STRATEGY AND SCHOOL LOCATION ON BASIC EDUCATION STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN ALGEBRAIC WORD PROBLEMS IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Godfrey Daniel Azige^*

Abstract

This study determined the effect of solve mnemonic strategy on Basic Education students’ performance in algebraic word problems in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study adopted quasi experimental, pretest, posttest post- posttest, non-equivalent control group design. The target population comprised all the 1853 JSII Students (1012 Male and 841 Female). The sample for the study consisted of 87 JS II Students from three intact classes out of which the experimental group consisted of 42 students (26 urban and 16 rural) while the control group consisted of 45 students (24 urban and 21 rural), their selection is purposeful in order to have data that have state representative. In choosing students, stratified random sampling technique was used on the bases of school location. The instrument for data collection was Algebraic Word Problems Performance Test (AWPAT). The reliability of AWPAT was found to be 𝑟 = 0.82using Split – Half Method. The data collected were analyzed and interpreted using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that Solve Mnemonic strategy enhanced students’ performance in Algebraic Word Problems than those taught using conventional strategy (F (1, 84) = 15.06, P = 0.03, ∝ = 0.05) and irrespective of school location (F (1, 39) = 4.320, p = 0.144,𝛼 = 0.05). Based on the findings of this study, solve mnemonic strategy enhanced and improved JSII students’ performance in algebraic word problems than the conventional method. Solve Mnemonics strategy influence better understanding in algebraic word problems by students of both urban and rural schools. The following recommendations were made: Teachers should adopt Solve Mnemonic strategy in teaching mathematics in basic secondary schools as to improve students’ performance in algebraic word problems. Periodic and regular training through seminars and workshops should be organized for in-service teachers to update their knowledge on SOLVE mnemonic strategy at basic secondary schools by State Government.

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