Making quadratic functions interesting: Students teams-achievement division instructional strategy

Abstract

Algebra plays a central role in school mathematics as it is a critical factor for success in mathematics courses such as calculus and geometry. This investigation aimed to establish the effectiveness of students teams-achievement division (STAD) strategy on students’ academic achievement in algebra, Lagos State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental model was employed for the study, which lasted for six weeks. Two secondary schools were chosen randomly and divided into experimental and control groups. The sample comprised 136 students (61 students in control group and 75 students in experimental group) from Ikorodu City, Lagos State, Nigeria. The quadratic functions assessment test, four questions (each with four items) with appropriate validation, served as the tool for data collection. Reliability was attained using the test-re-test method, with Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis yielding a reliability index of 0.86. Three hypotheses were generated and analyzed using analysis of covariance at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that students exposed to STAD had enhanced performance in algebra. Likewise, gender did not impact the achievement of the participants in algebra. It was recommended that the Nigerian Educational Research Development Council arrange workshops, training, and seminars on incorporating learner-friendly instructional strategies such as STAD.