Computer based instruction in alleviating mathematics learning phobia in Budaka universal college

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of computer based instruction in alleviating mathematics learning phobia in Budaka Universal College (BUCO). The study used one group pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study on 250 ‘O’ level senior three students. The Mathematics Attitude Inventory Scale (MAIS) was used to measure students’ level of mathematics phobia. The Mathematics Learning Style and Attitude Scale (MALSTAS) to determine students’ dominant learning style that enabled researcher to apply appropriate strategy when the experiment was carried out. The study used Mathematics Competence Based Test (MCBT). Which was constructed based on the mathematics teaching curriculum and objectives of the study. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the hypotheses were tested using one sample t-test. The study found that low mathematics achievement is potentially a symptom of a mathematics phobia. It was found that 62.4% of the students fell within the average level of mathematics phobia. All the four hypothesis in the study were tested and rejected implying that Computer Based Instruction (Tutorials, Drill & Practice, Simulations and Instructional games) has a significant effect in achieving four fundamental objectives of teaching and learning mathematics (mathematics procedural fluency, manipulative skills and competences, abstract conceptualization and problems solving skills). It was found that the computer based instruction is slightly effective in helping students with mathematics phobia obtain mathematics competences. (t(249)=25.38 p=0.000 means difference 4.35) in all the hypotheses tested. The study recommended that the use of innovative modern pedagogical aids like computers and appropriate software should be provided and used in schools like Budaka Universal College (BUCO) to improve performance and alleviate mathematics learning phobia. It was also recommend that Budaka Universal College (BUCO) should device means of using Computer Based Instruction for students with special needs and learning disabilities.