Mathematical Software: A Panacea for Improving Senior Secondary School Students’ Retention in Geometrical Constructions

Abstract

When attempting to address the persistently poor performance of students in mathematics, researchers have typically examined factors such as retention to identify long-term solutions. The objective of this study was to improve the retention of senior secondary school students in geometrical constructions through mathematical software. Despite the many benefits of geometry to both the learner and society, the performance of the students continued to be abysmal. Could it be that the students do not retain what they learn? The research was conducted in Benue State, Nigeria, and was based on John Sweller’s cognitive load theory of multimedia. The study’s design utilised a non-randomised, quasi-experimental control group with a sample size of 457 students. Three objectives, research questions and research hypotheses led the study, with the Geometrical Construction Achievement Test and the Geometrical Construction Retention Test as the instruments for data collection. The mean and standard deviation of descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data that was gathered. The research reveals that retention was higher in the experimental group (Mean = 65.88) than in the control group (Mean = 51.87). The study found a statistically significant improvement in retention (p ˂ 0.05). No gender variations were found when the students were taught with mathematical software. Mathematics teachers’ utilisation of mathematical software as a strategy for teaching geometrical constructions among senior secondary school students was recommended.