Design, development and evaluation of a WPE Microworld for learning probability

Many reforms and innovations efforts especially in computer-supported learning have been continuously undertaken in mathematics education. Microworlds have drawn research attention among the educationists and have the potential in creating a constructivist learning environment. This study developed...

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Main Author:	Su, Ding Kiew.
Format:	Thesis
Language:	English
Published:	2006
Subjects:	QA Mathematics
Online Access:	http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/507/1/su%20ding%20kiew.pdf
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id	my-unimas-ir.507
record_format	uketd_dc
spelling	my-unimas-ir.5072023-08-10T02:37:20Z Design, development and evaluation of a WPE Microworld for learning probability 2006 Su, Ding Kiew. QA Mathematics Many reforms and innovations efforts especially in computer-supported learning have been continuously undertaken in mathematics education. Microworlds have drawn research attention among the educationists and have the potential in creating a constructivist learning environment. This study developed a mathematical microworld (WPE) to investigate the effectiveness of the microworld learning environment in enhancing the learning of probability and improving the students' attitudes toward mathematics. The topic of probability was chosen because students tend to have difficulty in understanding probability.This research also determined the students' satisfaction with the microworlds' features; the relationship between the students' mathematics achievement using the microworld and the students' characteristics; and the relationship between the students' attitudes toward mathematics after using the microworld and the students' characteristics. This research used a quasi-experimental, non-random pre-and post-test static group research design. Samples consisted of 52 students from two Form Four science classes at two secondary schools in Kuching.Students learned probability using the WPE microworld for 12 to 13 periods.Quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques including questionnaires,interviews and observation were deployed to obtain the required data. Among the research instruments were a pre- and post-test for measuring achievements in probability, questionnaire for attitudes toward mathematics and rubric for evaluating the microworld. Findings of this study showed that the students obtained significantly higher scores in the post-test on probability. The WPE microworld slightly improved students' attitudes toward mathematics. According to the students, WPE as a practical tool helped them to learn and understand probability concepts. Students were satisfied, interested, excited and had fun to explore the microworld while learning the concepts. Generally, they were satisfied with the features of the WPE microworld. Three students who expressed negative reactions on the use of WPE lacked basic computer skills and more comfortable with the traditional rote learning methods. The microworld encouraged interactions among the students and between the students and the instructor. Teachers viewed the WPE microworld as a tool for knowledge construction among the students. Both male and female students learned using technology equally well. However, students with basic computer and Internet skills showed better learning gain, and improved in attitudes toward mathematics after interacting with the WPE microworld. This study also showed the potential of microworlds as a computer-based constructivist learning environment for mathematics learning. Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology 2006 Thesis http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/507/ http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/507/1/su%20ding%20kiew.pdf text en validuser masters Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
institution	Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
collection	UNIMAS Institutional Repository
language	English
topic	QA Mathematics
spellingShingle	QA Mathematics Su, Ding Kiew. Design, development and evaluation of a WPE Microworld for learning probability
description	Many reforms and innovations efforts especially in computer-supported learning have been continuously undertaken in mathematics education. Microworlds have drawn research attention among the educationists and have the potential in creating a constructivist learning environment. This study developed a mathematical microworld (WPE) to investigate the effectiveness of the microworld learning environment in enhancing the learning of probability and improving the students' attitudes toward mathematics. The topic of probability was chosen because students tend to have difficulty in understanding probability.This research also determined the students' satisfaction with the microworlds' features; the relationship between the students' mathematics achievement using the microworld and the students' characteristics; and the relationship between the students' attitudes toward mathematics after using the microworld and the students' characteristics. This research used a quasi-experimental, non-random pre-and post-test static group research design. Samples consisted of 52 students from two Form Four science classes at two secondary schools in Kuching.Students learned probability using the WPE microworld for 12 to 13 periods.Quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques including questionnaires,interviews and observation were deployed to obtain the required data. Among the research instruments were a pre- and post-test for measuring achievements in probability, questionnaire for attitudes toward mathematics and rubric for evaluating the microworld. Findings of this study showed that the students obtained significantly higher scores in the post-test on probability. The WPE microworld slightly improved students' attitudes toward mathematics. According to the students, WPE as a practical tool helped them to learn and understand probability concepts. Students were satisfied, interested, excited and had fun to explore the microworld while learning the concepts. Generally, they were satisfied with the features of the WPE microworld. Three students who expressed negative reactions on the use of WPE lacked basic computer skills and more comfortable with the traditional rote learning methods. The microworld encouraged interactions among the students and between the students and the instructor. Teachers viewed the WPE microworld as a tool for knowledge construction among the students. Both male and female students learned using technology equally well. However, students with basic computer and Internet skills showed better learning gain, and improved in attitudes toward mathematics after interacting with the WPE microworld. This study also showed the potential of microworlds as a computer-based constructivist learning environment for mathematics learning.
format	Thesis
qualification_level	Master's degree
author	Su, Ding Kiew.
author_facet	Su, Ding Kiew.
author_sort	Su, Ding Kiew.
title	Design, development and evaluation of a WPE Microworld for learning probability
title_short	Design, development and evaluation of a WPE Microworld for learning probability
title_full	Design, development and evaluation of a WPE Microworld for learning probability
title_fullStr	Design, development and evaluation of a WPE Microworld for learning probability
title_full_unstemmed	Design, development and evaluation of a WPE Microworld for learning probability
title_sort	design, development and evaluation of a wpe microworld for learning probability
granting_institution	Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
granting_department	Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
publishDate	2006
url	http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/507/1/su%20ding%20kiew.pdf
_version_	1783727890589810688

Design, development and evaluation of a WPE Microworld for learning probability

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