INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND - Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2018

Pages: 180-184
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Students' Engagement in Group-Based Learning in Mathematics

Author: Dr. Flordeliza P. Ferrer

Category: Engineering, Science and Mathematics

Abstract:

The study explored the students' engagement in the group-based approach and analyzed their perceived advantages and disadvantages in learning mathematics. It employed the descriptive method of research through a researcher-made instrument to collect the learners' perceptions on the statements describing the positive and negative effects of group-based learning on the grounds of their experience. Three groups of respondents were considered as samples in equal numbers, forty each from the classes of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students in the secondary level, Science major students in the tertiary level, and Mathematics major students also in the tertiary level. All of them were exposed to group-based learning in their respective mathematics classes. Data were analyzed using the weighted mean and t-test for independent samples. Statistical results revealed that majority of the respondents believed that there were more merits than drawbacks when they were engaged with a group. Students' from different levels and in diverse fields of interest expressed varied opinions on some issues regarding their experience in working with peers. Based on the learner's perceived beneficial and shortcoming effects of this learning approach, the study offers recommendations which may be considered by the mathematics educators in the design of their instructional plan.

Keywords: Collaborative learning; Cooperative learning; Group-based learning; Instructional plan; Mathematics.