Effectiveness of Constructivism in Mathematics Learning

Abstract

This study entitled “Effectiveness of Constructivism in Mathematics Learning” was based on quasi- experimental research design on the theoretical basis of Vygotsky’s social constructivism. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of constructivism on mathematics achievement of students and analyze the reflection of students towards constructivist approach in teaching mathematics of grade V. One of the private schools of Lalitpur district (D.A.V. Sushil Kedia Vishwa Bharati Higher Secondary School, Jawalakhel) was selected for the study by purposive sampling method. Twenty eight students of section-A and twenty eight students of section-E were selected as experimental and control group respectively. The mean value of experimental group was 16.42 and control group was 15.75, then there was no significance difference between experimental and control group on pre-test. Both groups were taught same topic. The students of experimental group were taught by constructivist method whereas that of control group by traditional teaching method. The data were collected through mathematics achievement test and interview schedule. Only five students were selected from experimental group for interview. Pre-test and post-test were based on same questions. The total duration of experiment was 30 days. The reliability of test was established by pilot test. Twenty eight students of Creative Academy were participated in pilot test. The coefficient of reliability was 0.95. The data were analyzed in MS Excel 2013 by descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The students of experimental group performed (Mean-21.42) better than that of the control group (16.42) on post-test. Students view towards the constructivist method is positive in terms of the class work and class interaction. Therefore, constructivist method is found to be very effective on students’ in learning mathematics.