Effectiveness of Collaborative Method in Learning Mathematics at Secondary Level

Abstract

This thesis entitle ―Effectiveness of Collaborative Method in Learning Mathematics at Secondary Level‖ aims to examine the effectiveness of the collaborative learning method in improving students' mathematical achievement at the secondary level. The research was conducted at Helambu Bodhisattva Model School and Ichok Secondary School, located in Helambu Rural Municipality-6, Ghopteghang, Sindhupalchok, Nepal by adopting experimental research design. 20 students of grade IX from each school were selected randomly and assigned into experimental group and control group by tossing a coin. The experimental group was taught mathematics using the collaborative method and the control group and taught using traditional lecture-based method. The intervention lasted for 20 school days and both groups were evaluated through a pre-test and post-test focused on algebraic expressions, linear equations, Meanwhile, qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with four students from experimental group. This study investigated the effectiveness of a collaborative learning method on students' mathematical achievement. Pre-test scores confirmed both the experimental and control groups were statistically equivalent. However, post-test results revealed a significant improvement in the experimental group's performance, with an average gain of 11.55 points compared to the control group's 5.5 points. A t-value of 11.136 confirmed this difference was statistically significant. Qualitative data from interviews further supported these findings, showing that the collaborative method enhanced student engagement, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding. The study concludes that collaborative learning significantly improves mathematical achievement and recommends integrating it into secondary-level curricula, especially in public and rural schools where traditional teaching is prevalent, to foster deeper learning.