Graphic Calculators: Effect on the Mathematical Performance of Students

AUTHOR(S)

Kenneth C. Ocampo, M.A. Math

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to find out the students’ skills in mathematical computation using calculators in teaching Mathematics among freshmen students in the College of Education of Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Dipolog Campus, Dipolog City during the First Semester of Academic Year 2012 – 2013. The study utilized the quasi – experimental design 10 method of research, utilizing the Pretest – Posttest Nonequivalent Group Design. There were 48 students utilized as subjects of the study for the experimental group while there were 47 students who were utilized as subjects of the study in the control group. The teacher–made–questionnaire was used to determine the pretest and posttest performance of the students in both groups. The statistical methods used were the arithmetic mean, z – test one – sample group, t – test for independent samples, and t – test for correlated samples.
The study revealed that the skill of the students in Mathematical computation in the experimental group was greatly influenced by the graphic calculators used in the teaching of College Algebra. Finding implied that students in the experimental group performed skillfully better than their counterpart. The study strongly recommends that the Campus Director of Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Dipolog Campus, Dipolog City should allocate a budget for the acquisition of graphic calculators for Mathematics classroom use. Moreover, Mathematics instructors/professors should incorporate the use of graphic calculators during the preparation of the Mathematics syllabi to ensure integration of graphic calculators in Mathematics instruction and to ascertain higher Mathematics performance of the students.