The effects of learning styles on grade 11 learner's performance in mathematics at one senior secondary school in the Oshana education Region

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of learning styles on the performance of Grade 11 learners in Mathematics at one of the secondary schools in the Oshana education region. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches and it was carried out for four weeks. Using Kolb‟s (2005) Learning Style Inventory, learners‟ learning styles were identified and the learners were then grouped according to their learning styles as converging, diverging, assimilators and accommodators. All the four experimental groups were pre-tested to determine whether all the groups were on par prior to the study in Algebra by the researcher. Each learning style group was placed in a different classroom and taught the same content using suitable teaching methods for each group and then post-tested. Post-test scores showed a significant difference in the performance of the Grade 11 learners and their learning styles. Structured interviews were also used to get views from the three Mathematics teachers about learning styles. The Mathematics teachers indicated that considering that learners learning styles were time - consuming and had led to less content being covered at the end of the day. The findings suggest that Mathematics teachers should familiarise themselves with knowledge and skills of dealing with different learners‟ learning styles and incorporate these in the teaching of Mathematics. The study also recommends that Mathematics teachers should provide the learners with a variety of activities, in order to enhance the development of different learning styles in their learners.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education.
Keywords
Mathematics, learning styles
Citation