Understanding of learning styles and teaching strategies towards improving the teaching and learning of mathematics

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyse the influence of learning styles and teaching strategies on academic performance in mathematics. Surveys were conducted to 277 randomly selected grade 9 students and five purposively sample mathematics teachers. Findings reveal that most of the student-respondents have a combination of dependent, collaborative and independent learning styles. Multiple regression analysis indicates that among the learning styles, only the independent style has a significant influence on the academic performance of grade 9 students. Four teaching strategies including cooperative learning, deductive approach, inductive approach, and integrative approach, were found to have a significant influence on academic performance. By understanding the learning styles of students, teachers will be guided in designing different strategies to help students enhance learning for their improved performance in mathematics.