Effects of Geogebra Software on Performance and Retention in Geometry Among Secondary School Students in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of GeoGebra software on secondary school students performance and retention in Geometry in Gusau metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria. GeoGebra as a dynamic mathematics software has proved effective in improving students performance and retention in Geometry. The theoretical framework for the study is guided by the dual coding theory. One of the objectives of the study is to determine the difference in the mean performance score between students taught Geometry using GeoGebra software and those taught using conventional teaching method. The study adopted a non-randomized pre-test, posttest, post-posttest quasi-experimental design. A total of 19,207 students constituted the population of the study.  A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the number of students used for the study. A sample of 252 SS II students was drawn from the population using intact class approach. The experimental group was taught Geometry using GeoGebra software while the control group received instruction using the conventional method over a period of six-weeks. Data were collected using the Geometry Performance and Retention Test (GPRT). The instrument was validated by experts in the field of Mathematics Education at Federal University Gusau The GPRT has a reliability coefficient of 0.78, calculated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation was used to answer research questions, while inferential statistics of t-test was used to test the null hypotheses. Findings revealed that students taught with GeoGebra software recorded higher performance scores and retained Geometry concepts better compared to the conventional group. The study concluded that GeoGebra software is an effective instructional tool capable of improving students academic achievement and retention in Geometry. It is recommended that secondary schools Mathematics teachers should integrate GeoGebra software into their instructional practices and encourage students to use the software for independent learning to enhance conceptual comprehension.