ISSN 2736-1578
African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN 2736-1578 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2021. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
A study of Cuisenaire Rods’ approach on some Nigeria primary pupils’ achievement in decimal fractions
M. S. C. Kurumeh1* and E. E. Achor2
1Science and Mathematics Education Unit, Department of Curriculum and Teaching, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
2Science and Mathematics Education Unit, Department of Curriculum and Teaching, Benue State University, Makurdi.
Accepted 04 November, 2020
Abstract
This study determined the effect of Cuisenaire Rods’ approach on some Nigeria primary pupils’ achievement in decimal fractions. Three hypotheses guided the study. A total of 200 Primary six pupils (that is, 6th grade) from randomly selected schools in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State of Nigeria served as the sample for the study. A Mathematics Achievement Test on Decimal Fractions (MATDF) developed by the researchers and validated by three experts with a reliability coefficient of 0.89 using K-R 21, was used for data collection. Two way Analysis of Covariance was used for analyzing the data. The results revealed that there was a significant difference between pupils taught fractions using Cuisenaire Rods’ approach and those taught fractions using conventional approach with Cuisenaire rod approach being more facilitative (F1, 199 = 12.231; p < 0.05). Secondly, there was no significant difference between male and female pupils taught using Cuisenaire Rods approach (F1, 199 = 3.453; p >.05). However, there was no significant interaction effect of method and gender on achievement (F1, 199 = 1.424; p > 0.05) It was therefore recommended among others that teachers of mathematics should adopt Cuisenaire Rods approach in teaching mathematics in primary schools in the study area to ensure hands-on-activities and thereby contributing to enhanced understanding.
Key words: Cuisenaire Rods, pupils’ achievement in mathematics, manipulative activities, hands-on, concrete materials, abstract materials, decimal fractions.