Effectiveness of Problem Solving Methods Inteaching Mathematics in Syangja District

Abstract

This study was intended to find the effectiveness of the problem solving method in teaching Mathematicsinlower secondary level atgrade VIII students. This study was experimental research related to the mathematics achievement of grade VIII students in Syangja district. The objective of the study was to compare the mathematics achievement of boys and girls to explore the effectiveness of problem solving method in teaching mathematics at grade VIII. Two government schools were selectedas convenience of researcher and Pre– test and Post– test non equivalent group design was used to conduct this study. There were 17 student (7 boys and 10 girls) out of 25 in Jana Adrasha Higher Secondary School were selected as Experimental group and 21 students (10 boys and 11 girls) out of 33 in Shirdha Higher Secondary School were selected as control group on fair coin toss. Two groups were taught same topics Percentage, Profit and Loss, Unitary method and Simple interest. Experimental group was taught by using problem–solving method and control groupwas taught by using traditional method of teaching. 13 lesson plans were developed during the experiment. Achievement tests and teaching modules were the main tools for the study and mean, standard deviation, variance and t – test (at 0.05 level of significance) were used as a statistical tools and analyzed qualitative data, the researcher Daily note, students motivation, regularity in the classroom and participation in the activities. After analyzed the obtained data, it was concluded that boys and girls were similar in learning mathematics problem solving method of teaching had better achievement than that of the traditional method of teaching and also concluded that problem solving method is effective than the traditional method in teaching mathematics.