INTRODUCTION
In this article, all the methods used to solve the problems at hand are explained, including the research instruments. Continue reading.
This chapter deals with the research design, population and population sample size, the research instruments employed pre-intervention, intervention and post intervention processes.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Action research was employed by the researcher of the study. Action research is defined by Colin and Marion. as an essentially on the spot procedure designed to deal with concrete problems located in an immediate situation.
According to Atiku, action research is the approach that aims at improving a problem relation situation through change.Action research enables the researcher to work collaboratively with other people to solve perceived problems.
Also according to Carr and Keminis action research is a form of self-reflective enquiry undertaken by participant in social situation in order to improve the rational and justice of their own practices, the understanding of these practices and the situation in which the practices are carried out.
Action research has many advantages. Some of these are; the researcher to know and understand what goes on in a classroom in terms of teaching and learning situations.
In addition, it equips the researcher with the suitable approaches for the pupils, thus what he or she is dealing with.
More so, it is important not only because it enhances the teacher’s professionalism but also promotes his/her development.
On the other hand, action research has some flaws and some of these are;
The usage of the action research is limited to peculiar situations, problems and space.
Action research also requires some amount or sum of money for both TLM and undertaking the research.
Finally, it consumes time; much time is needed for the researcher to solve the problem.
POPULATION
Population is a target group which the researcher is interested in gaining information Creswell. The target population for the study was basic three (3) learners of Berekum Methodist Basic School ‘A’ in the Berekum East District. The class enrolment is twenty-nine (29), out of which nineteen(19) are boys and ten (10) being girls.
SAMPLE AND SAMPLE PROCEDURE
Sample is a sub-group of the target population that the researcher plans to study for generalization about the target population Creswell. Also a sample is a representative portion of the population that is selected for investigation Mc Millan and Schumacher.
Sampling is the process of selecting a few (a sample from a bigger group (the sampling population) to become the basis for estimation or predicting a fact or situation or outcome regarding the bigger group Creswell, Johnson.
Sampling generally can be put in two broad ways. These are probability sampling and non-probability sampling. In probability all members of the population have equal chances to be picked. Examples of probability sampling are random sampling, systematic sampling, cluster sampling, the second one is non-probability sampling.
In this case, not all members of the population have the chance to be picked. Examples are: Convenience sampling, quota sampling, purposive sampling, snow-balling etc.
Purposive sample techniques was employed for the sample. Purposive sampling techniques was used in selecting participants for the purpose of obtaining the accurate information needed for the research. A total number of twenty-one (21) pupils were sampled for the study. The researcher selected learners who were present in school on that day as sample for the study.
RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS
Research instruments are the tools used by the researcher to gather data and other information needed by the researcher for the study.
The researcher used test, observation, and oral interview as the instruments for collection of information for the study.
OBSERVATION
Observation as defined by Marshall and Rossman as a systematic description of events, behaviors and artifacts on a social setting chosen for a study.
According to Fianu, observations is the process in which one or more persons observe what is occurring in some real-life situation, classify and record pertinent happenings according to some planned scheme. Observation comes in a form as participant observation and non-participant observation.
Observation as a research instrument has its own strengths and weaknesses. Below are some strengths of observation. It offers first-hand information without relying on the reports of others, it also provide information when other methods are not effective and it is relatively inexpensive.
Although, observation has some strength, it also some weaknesses. Some are as follows: It cannot be employed when large groups or extensive events are studied, it cannot study opinion or attitude directly and it cannot provide information about past, future or unpredictable events.
INTERVIEW
Fianu defines an interview as a two-person conversation initiated by the interviewer for the specific purpose of obtaining research-relevant information. Typically, an interview represents a dialogue between people where personal and social interaction occurs.
However, development in the computers information technology has resulted in other formats, for example internet interviews. Interview is associated with both quantitative and qualitative. Social research is usually used alongside other methods.
It is an interaction between two people the interviewer and the interviewee. The researcher interacts with the sample one on one to find out reasons for the poor performance in the study of the topic rectilinear propagation of light.
MERITS OF INTERVIEWS
It is more appropriate for complex situation. That is, it is appropriate for studying complex sensitive areas as a respondent has the opportunity to prepare response before answering sensitive questions and it is useful for collecting in-depth information. That is, in-depth information can be obtained through probing.
DEMERITS OF INTERVIEW
The quality of data depends on the quality of interaction and it offers less anonymity than other methods since the interviewer knows the identity, residence, type of housing, and so on.
Interview guide for learners
(1) Do you like mathematics?
(2) Do you like the way your mathematics teacher teaches you?
(a) If yes why?
(b) If no why?
(3) Do you understand lessons taught in the mathematics lessons?
(4) Do you do activities during mathematics lessons?
(5) If yes, do you follow the activities to understand the lesson?
TEST
Nitko defined test as an instrument or systematic procedure for observing and describing one or more characteristic of a student using either numerical scale or classification.
Test is the sample of questions given to pupils to answer in order to know their knowledge or understanding level of a particular topic. There are four types of testing in schools today diagnostic, formative, benchmark, and summative testing.
IMPORTANCE OF TESTING
Test helps students to show what they know, what they can do, etc.
Test has some advantages which includes, proper assessment, selection of better person,labour turnover reduced, etc.
Fear of exposure, wrong use, unreliable are some disadvantages of test.
Learners Test Items
(1) 23 – 14 =
(2) 55 – 10 =
(3) 60 – 15 =
(4) 17 + 13 =
(5) 41 + 19 =
INTERVENTION PROCESS
At this stage the researcher plans an activity which is conducted to solve a peculiar problem faced by the learners. The level involves sets of procedures which must be keenly followed one after the other.
The following are the processes employed; pre intervention, intervention and post intervention.
PRE INTERVENTION
For the researcher to confirm the problem that has been identified, the researcher administered a pre-test based on the already taught topic addition and subtraction of whole numbers to find the extent to which the problem affects them.
After the pre-test, the researcher marked and carefully examined the results. The result indicated that ninety percent of the pupils had difficulty in the understanding the topic. This gives her a clear view of the problem.
The learners were observed three times within ten days during mathematics lesson involving addition and subtraction both consciously and unconsciously. Observation recorded that learners failed to comprehend the phenomena due to poor manipulation skills.
Moreover from the interview made was discovered that, teaching methods used does not suit the pupils level of understanding.
Based on this, the researcher designed and adopt a learner-centered approach of teaching to overcome the lapses.
INTERVENTION
The researcher sort out many concrete materials and chose bottle tops. She then gathered a number of bottle tops and wrote a detailed lesson plan to find solution to the problem at hand.
The researcher retaught the topic by demonstrating to the learners addition and subtraction in two different days.
Below are the procedures;
DAY ONE
Addition of whole numbers
a) The researcher started the lesson with a song Counting one, one is standing alone, which relates to the subject.
b) She review the learners knowledge on the operation signs (+, – and =).
c) The researcher then write a question on the chalk board involving the taught addition sign. She explained the questions to the learners in the twi language linking it to real life situation.
d) She then demonstrated to the learners using the bottle tops on how the tasks should be performed.
e) The researcher again write a new set of examples on the chalkboard for learners to work on.
DAY TWO
Subtraction of whole numbers
The researcher repeated the earlier used steps to teach the subtraction of whole numbers. After the lesson on day two, the researcher then explained the relation between addition and subtraction to the learners. It was observed that learners were active hence embraced the lesson with much joy.
POST INTERVENTION
After using the designed teaching and learning material for the lesson there was the need to verify whether the purpose of the study has been achieved.
In view of this, the researcher conducted a post-test using the same question administered to see if the hall mark has been attained with teaching and learning approach used. The performance of the pupils has clearly shown that they have understood the lesson.
Besides, the interview section was carried out by the researcher to find out the latest impression of the learners on the study of mathematics.
Interview guides were administered and learners’ feedbacks indicated a positive change.
SOURCE: bbcpulse.com