Enhancing Students’ Achievement in Geometry Using Laboratory-Based Instructional Method
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33830/ijrse.v6i2.1706Keywords:
Laboratory method, geometry, achievement of student, genderAbstract
This study investigated the effect of laboratory-based instructional methods on students' achievement in geometry within the educational context of Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria. Recognising the potential of hands-on, experiential learning approaches in mathematics education, particularly in geometry, this research explored the effectiveness of laboratory-based instruction in enhancing student performance. Guided by three research questions and hypotheses, the quasi-experimental research design was employed on a sample of 160 Upper Basic II students, through pre-and post-test assessments. The Geometry Achievement Test (GAT) with a reliability index of 0.91 for the GAT, determined using the K-R20 method, was used for data collection. The mean and standard deviation statistics were employed to answer the three research questions, while covariance (ANCOVA) analysis was employed to test all hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The study found a significant improvement in geometry achievement among students exposed to the laboratory-based method, with 56% of the achievement score variance attributed to this method. Additionally, it identifies a noteworthy difference in achievement scores between male and female students taught geometry using the laboratory-based approach, with a significant interaction effect observed between the teaching method and gender. These findings emphasise the potential of incorporating laboratory-based instructional methods in mathematics education to enhance student achievement and promote a deeper understanding of geometric concepts. Overall, the study contributes valuable insights to the discourse on innovative pedagogical practices in mathematics instruction, offering guidance for educators and policymakers aiming to improve mathematics education in similar contexts.
References
Agwagah, U. N. (1997). Laboratory Approach to Mathematics I Instruction: A Situation Report on Nigerian Secondary schools in The 1990s. Journal of Liberal Studies, 5(2), 116-124. https://sl.ut.ac.id/Laboratory-Approach-to-Teaching-Mathematics
Akpan, Ben and Kennedy, Teresa J.. Science Education in Theory and Practice. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43620-9
Anakpua, B. C., Eze, F., & Emefo, C. N. (2020). Extent of mathematics education Laboratory usage on students’ Performance in (mathematics Education) at the federal universities, South-east geo-political zone, Nigeria. Southeastern Journal of Research and Sustainable Development (SEJRSD), 3(1), 185-214. https://sl.ut.ac.id/Extent-of-Mathematics-Education-Laboratory-Usage
Arends, R. I. (1998). Resource handbook. Learning to teach (4th ed.). . Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. https://sl.ut.ac.id/Learning-to-Teach
Asuquo, E. N., & Onasanya, S. A. (2006). Gender differences and students’ achievement in computer technology instruction. West Africa Journal of Educational Research , 9(1 & 2), 1-8. https://sl.ut.ac.id/Gender_differences_and_students_achievement
Azid, N., Hasan, R., Nazarudin, N. F., & Md-Ali, R. (2020). Embracing Industrial Revolution 4.0: The Effect of Using Web 2.0 Tools on Primary Schools Students’ Mathematics Achievement (Fraction). International Journal of Instruction, 13(3), 711-728. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13348a
Bindu, B. H., & Ramakrishna, A. (2023). Effectiveness of Mathematics Laboratory Based Teaching Learning Programme on Academic Achievement In Mathematics of Secondary School Students, . International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 11(2), e86-e92. https://doi.org/www.ijcrt.org
Busola, A. J. (2011). Gender difference in student’s achievement in chemistry in secondary schools of Kakamega District, Kenya. www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com 0n 16 – 06. https://www.ijtrd.com/papers/IJTRD3759.pdf
Chickering, A. W., & Gamson, Z. F. (1991). Appendix A: Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 1991(47 ), 63-69. https://doi.org/ https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.37219914708
Dafid, D., Wibawa, B., & Situmorang, R. (2022). The Effect of Laboratory-Based Learning Strategies and Mathematic Logical Intelligence on Learning Outcomes of Linear Algebra Courses. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 5(9), 413-437. https://doi.org/DOI:10.47814/ijssrr.v5i9.450
Dafid, D., Wibawa, B., & Situmorang, R. (2022). The Effect of Laboratory-Based Learning Strategies and Mathematic Logical Intelligence on Learning Outcomes of Linear Algebra Courses. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 5(9), 413-437. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v5i9.450
Elliott, S. N., Kratochwill, T. R., Littlefield Cook, J., & Travers, J. (2000). Educational psychology: Effective teaching, effective learning (3rd ed.) . . Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill College. https://archive.org/details/educationalpsych0000unse_a3s8/page/n3/mode/2up
Ezeliora, R. (2001). A guide to practical Approach to Laboratory management and safety precautions. Daughters of Divine love congregations. Enugu: Divine Love Publishers. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6056841/
Hernández-de-Menéndez, M., Vallejo Guevara, A., & Morales-Menendez, R. (2019). Virtual reality laboratory: A review of experiences. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM), 13(3), 947–966. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-019-00
Hwa, S. P. (2018). Pedagogical change in Mathematics learning: Harnessing the power of digital game-based learning. Journal of Educational Technology and Society, 21(4), 259–276. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-56404-021
I., W. D., Nasifa, A., & O., S. H. (2016). Effects of Hausa Language of Instruction on Secondary School Biology Students’ Academic Performance in Sokoto State, Nigeria. International journal of scientific research in science, engineering and techno. https://ijsrset.com/home/issue/view/article.php?id=IJSRSET1622185
Jepkosgei, P. (2023). Effects of laboratory method on mathematics performance and motivation among secondary school students in Kapseret sub-county, Kenya. . M. Ed Thesis, University of Eldoret, Kenya. https://sl.ut.ac.id/Effects-of-laboratory-method-on-mathematics-performance
Joshi, S. (2008). Teaching of Science. APH publishing cooperation. https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/6307245
Kusmawan, U. (2017). Online microteaching: A multifaceted approach to teacher professional development. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 15(1), 42–56. https://www.ncolr.org/jiol/issues/pdf/15.1.3.pdf
Kusmawan, U. (2024). Transforming digital learning and assessment strategies in higher education. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(1), 2025016. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025016
Lugosi, E., & Uribe, G. (2020). Active learning strategies with positive effects on students’ achievements in undergraduate mathematics education. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 53(2), 403-424. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2020.1773555
Mcleod, S. (2024, February 1). Constructivism Learning Theory & Philosophy of Education. Simply Psychology. From https://www.simplypsychology.org/constructivism.html#Constructivism-Philosophy
Nekang, F. N. (2016). Principles and Practice of Mathematics Education in Cameroon. . NEC-Yaounde. Republic of Cameroon. https://education.gov.scot/media/2i5jiyhe/mathematics-pp.pdf
Ngala, J. S. (2019). The Impact of Laboratory Based Teaching Method on Secondary Schools Biology Students’ Acquisition of Science Process Skills in Littoral Region of Cameroon. 2019International Journal of Contemporary Applied Research, 6(12), 90-116. https://sl.ut.ac.id/The-Impact-of-Laboratory-Based-Teaching-Method
Ojediran, I. A., Oludipe, D. I., & Ehindero, O. J. (2014). Impact of Laboratory-Based Instructional Intervention on the Learning Outcomes of Low Performing Senior Secondary Students in Physics. Creative Education, 5, 197-206. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ce.2014.54029
Okigbo, E. C., & Osuafor, A. M. (2008). Effect of using mathematics laboratory in teaching mathematics on the achievement of mathematics students. Educational Research and Review, 3(8), 257-261. https://doi.org/http://www.academicjournals.org/ERR
Oludipe, D. I. (2012). Gender difference in Nigerian junior secondary students’ academic achievement in basic science. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 2(1), 93 – 98. https://sl.ut.ac.id/Gender-Difference-in-Nigerian-Junior-Secondary-Students
Omiko, A. (2017). Job Orientation and Placement: The Role of Science Education in a Developing Economy. Abakaliki: Larry and Caleb Publishing House. https://doi.org/10.12691/education-5-7-4.
Onuoha, C. J. (2016). Effect of Mathematics game-based instructional techniques on students’ achievements and interest in algebra at basic educational level. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. https://sl.ut.ac.id/Effect-of-Mathematics-game-based-instructional-techniques
President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology . (2012). Engage to excel producing one million additional college graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Washington (DC). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED541511.pdf.
Rach, S., & Ufer, S. (2020). Which prior mathematical knowledge is necessary for study success in the university study entrance phase? Results on a new model of knowledge levels based on a reanalysis of data from existing studies. International Journal of Research in Undergraduate, 6, 375-403. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s40753-020-00112-x
Rathod, V. D., & Amin, J. N. (2020). Effectiveness of Mathematics Laboratory Based Teaching Learning Programme with reference to Achievement of Standard VIII Students in Mathematics. International Journal of Research in all Subjects in Multi Languages, 8 (11), 17-24. https://www.raijmr.com/ijrsml/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IJRSML_2020_vol08_issue_11_Eng_05.pdf
Richard, E. M. (2009). Multi-Media Learning. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1017/CBO9780511811678
Stanberry, M. L. (2018). Active learning: a case study of student engagement in college Calculus. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 49(6), 959-969. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2018.1440328
Tambo, I. L. (2012). Principle and methods of teaching. Limbe. ANUCAM. https://ia600801.us.archive.org/34/items/principlesandme00boyegoog/principlesandme00boyegoog.pdf
Wushishi, D. I., Nasifa, A., & O., S. H. (2016). Effects of Hausa Language of Instruction on Secondary School Biology Students’ Academic Performance in Sokoto State, Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2(3), 551-558. https://ijsrset.com/home/issue/view/article.php?id=IJSRSET1622185
Yakubu, K. O. (2016). Effects of field-based teaching strategy on interest, retention and performance in climate change among secondary school students in Anchau, Kaduna, Nigeria. Unpublished PhD thesis, Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education. https://kubanni.abu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9386
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 John Tyavbee Ajai, Ogungbile, Titilayo , Nguuma Jimin

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Content Licensing, Copyright, and Permissions
1. License
International Journal of Research in STEM Education (IJRSE) adopts the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) as the optimal license for the publication, distribution, use, and reuse of scholarly works for non-commercial purposes.
The non-commercial use of the article will be governed by this license, which allows others to share and adapt the work provided proper attribution is given to the author(s) and the journal.
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Creative Commons License: CC BY-NC 4.0
2. Author's Warranties
The author warrants that the article is original, written by the stated author(s), has not been published before, contains no unlawful statements, does not infringe the rights of others, is subject to copyright vested exclusively in the author, is free of any third-party rights, and that all necessary written permissions to quote from other sources have been obtained by the author(s).
3. User Rights
The International Journal of Research in STEM Education aims to disseminate published articles as freely as possible. Under the Creative Commons license, users are permitted to copy, distribute, display, and perform the work for non-commercial purposes only, provided that proper attribution is given to the author(s) and this journal.
4. Rights of Authors
Authors retain the following rights:
- Copyright and proprietary rights related to the article, such as patent rights.
- The right to use the substance of the article in future works (e.g., lectures, books).
- The right to reproduce the article for personal purposes.
- The right to self-archive the article.
- The right to enter into separate, additional non-exclusive contractual arrangements for the distribution of the article’s published version (e.g., posting to an institutional repository or publishing it in a book), with acknowledgment of its initial publication in IJRSE.
If the author has a non-exclusive publishing contract with another publisher under a more restrictive license, the author still retains all rights to republish or distribute the work elsewhere, including commercially, as the author is not bound by the license conditions imposed on the journal.
5. Co-Authorship
If the article has multiple authors, the signatory of this agreement warrants that he/she has been authorized by all co-authors to sign this agreement on their behalf and agrees to inform all co-authors of the terms of this agreement.
6. Termination
This agreement may be terminated by either the author or IJRSE with two months’ notice if the other party has materially breached this agreement and failed to remedy such breach within one month after receiving written notice.
No breach or violation of this agreement will cause automatic termination or affect the license granted to IJRSE.
7. Royalties
This agreement entitles the author to no royalties or other fees. To the extent legally permissible, the author waives the right to collect royalties in respect of any use of the article by IJRSE or its sublicensees.
8. Miscellaneous
IJRSE will publish the article (or have it published) once the editorial process has been successfully completed.
The journal reserves the right to edit the article for style, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, referencing, and consistency as deemed appropriate.
The author acknowledges that the article will be made publicly accessible, and such access will be free of charge for readers.






