The implementation of using calculators in the Irish Junior Certificate Mathematics curriculum and examinations brought about discussions about its impact on students’ performance and learning attitudes. To compare the difference before and after implementation, we adopted experimental-type studies to find out the influence. There are two groups of Grade 9 students: the pre-intervention group and the post-intervention group. The research discovered that phase II students (using the calculators) got better Mathematics results and they thought using calculators can reduce the frequency of making mistakes. Despite such contribution, phase I students thought using calculators make students lazy. Based on our research, compulsory use of calculator in Mathematics education is a good decision, as it improved students’ Mathematics performance and students became more motivated to learn. The most important reason of this is because students think using calculator can help them save more time.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Method and framework
- Results and finding
- Sub question 1: Does the permeation of using calculator affect the overall mathematics ability of the students?
- Sub question 2: Does the permeation of using calculator affect the performance of the students?
- Sub question 3: How did the use of calculator affect the students' attitude towards learning mathematics?
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research explores the impact of calculator use on mathematics performance and learning attitudes among Irish Junior Certificate Mathematics students. The study investigates the effects of introducing calculators into the curriculum by comparing students' performance before and after implementation.
- Influence of calculator use on overall mathematics ability
- Impact of calculator use on student performance in specific mathematics topics
- Effect of calculator use on students' attitudes towards learning mathematics
- Analysis of the effectiveness of compulsory calculator use in mathematics education
- Comparison of pre-intervention and post-intervention groups to assess the impact of calculator use
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Abstract: This chapter provides an overview of the research, highlighting the study's focus on the impact of calculator use in the Irish Junior Certificate Mathematics curriculum. It outlines the research methods, findings, and key conclusions, emphasizing the positive effects of calculator use on student performance and motivation.
- Introduction: This chapter sets the context for the research by discussing the introduction of calculator use in the Irish Junior Certificate Mathematics curriculum in 2004. The study aims to investigate whether compulsory calculator use is beneficial, focusing on the differences in student performance and learning attitudes before and after the implementation.
- Method and framework: This chapter details the research methodology, including the sample size (1,469 grade 9 students), data collection methods, and the three-year experimental-type study design with pre-intervention and post-intervention groups. The chapter describes the different types of calculator-related mathematics tests administered to students, covering various mathematical topics.
- Results and finding: This chapter presents the findings of the study, analyzing the influence of calculator use on students' mathematics ability, performance, and attitudes. It examines the results of the four tests administered to both pre-intervention and post-intervention groups, comparing their performance across various mathematics topics.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key focus of this research lies on exploring the impact of calculator use on mathematics education, student performance, and learning attitudes. Key topics include the Irish Junior Certificate Mathematics curriculum, calculator-friendly curriculum, pre-intervention and post-intervention groups, student performance analysis, and the impact of calculator use on student motivation and engagement in mathematics.
How does the use of calculators affect mathematics performance?
Research in the Irish curriculum shows that students using calculators achieved better results and felt more confident in their ability to solve complex problems.
Does calculator use make students lazy?
While some students in the pre-intervention group feared it might lead to laziness, the study found that it actually improved motivation and saved time for higher-level reasoning.
Does using a calculator reduce mathematical errors?
Yes, students reported that using calculators helped them reduce the frequency of simple calculation mistakes, allowing them to focus on the mathematical logic.
What was the impact on students' attitudes towards learning math?
The introduction of calculators generally improved students' attitudes, making them more motivated as they felt more efficient and less burdened by tedious manual calculations.
Is compulsory calculator use in schools a good decision?
Based on the study of Grade 9 students, it is considered a positive decision as it enhances overall performance and engagement in the subject.
