Skip to content
Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Exploring the Impact of Problem-Based Learning Approach on Students’ Performance in Solving Mathematical Problems under Circles (Geometry)

Yaw Ackaah Mensah, Evans Atteh, Augustine Boadi, Isaac Assan-Donkoh

Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science · pp. 35–47 · Published 5 Aug 2022

10.9734/jesbs/2022/v35i930455

Abstract

This research work aimed to explore the impact of Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach of teaching mathematical problem solving in circles under geometry at Wiawso College of Education. The research design adopted for the study was action research and its main objective was to improve practices. The target population was level 100 students of the College and the population size was four hundred and nineteen (419) whilst the sample size was one hundred (100), comprising two (2) classes, which was selected based on purposive sampling. The instrument used for the study was tests. In the pre-intervention stage, a pre-test was used to identify the weaknesses of the students before the interventional strategies were applied. A post-test was conducted to evaluate the intervention strategies. The quantitative data was then analyzed using paired sample t-test, the means and their respective standard deviations, were calculated. The post-test mean scores of 21.40 (Standard deviation of 2.37) and 20.10 (Standard deviation of 2.85) is significantly higher than the pre-test mean scores of 7.40 (Standard deviation of 2.84) and 7.60 (Standard deviation of 3.53). The results of the study clearly showed that, there has been a remarkable improvement in the students’ performance in solving mathematical problem in circles under geometry, when they were taught using problem-based learning approach. A quiz was conducted six weeks after the post-test using the same test items to check students’ retention of the concept. The quiz mean scores of 21.90 (Standard deviation of 1.91) and 20.30 (Standard deviation of 2.58) is not significantly higher than the post-test mean scores of 21.40 (Standard deviation of 2.37) and 20.10 (Standard deviation of 2.85). The result showed that the students’ retention of the concept had been exceptionally good. The study recommended that teachers should be encouraged to employ problem-based learning approach in teaching geometry.

Problem-based learning problem solving circles geometry teaching and learning

References (12)

  1. 1 Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher
  2. 2 Some Fixed-Circle Theorems on Metric Spaces [DOI]
  3. 3 Features and characteristics of problem based learning [DOI]
  4. 4 Learning to Lead: an Approach to Mathematics Teacher Leader Development [DOI]
  5. 5 Problem‐Based Learning: A Learning Environment for Enhancing Learning Transfer [DOI]
  6. 6 Classroom-based professional expertise: a mathematics teacher’s practice with technology [DOI]
  7. 7 Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development [DOI]
  8. 8 Problem-based learning in ophthalmology: A brief review [DOI]
  9. 9 Action Research in a Professional Development School Setting to Support Teacher Candidate Self-Efficacy.
  10. 10 The effect of Constructivism on Students’ Performance in Solving Mathematical Problems under Trigonometry [DOI]
  11. 11 Challenges of Mathematics in Economic Development in the Twenty-First Century: Implications for Tertiary Education [DOI]
  12. 12 New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education [DOI]

Cited by 7

An investigation into senior high school students’ performance and difficulties in proving Euclidean geometry in mathematics curriculum: Evidence from Ghana

Isaac Davor, Patrick Dawmah, Ernest Larbi · Contemporary Mathematics and Science Education · 2026

The Impact of Inductive Teaching on Pre-Tertiary Students’ Academic Performance in Solving Circle Theorem Problems

Thomas Gona Akwasi Dimaweh, E. Bonyah, Benjamin Adu Obeng · International Journal of Mathematics and Mathematics Education · 2026

GeoGebra-supported problem-based learning for in-service primary mathematics teachers’ 3D geometry understanding in a core primary teachers’ college in Uganda

Esther Kirabo, M. S. Batiibwe, J. Mbulankende · Frontiers in Education · 2025

Technology-supported problem-based learning in mathematics education for pre-service teachers: a systematic literature review

Esther Kirabo, M. S. Batiibwe, J. Mbulankende · SN Social Sciences · 2024

Exploring the Effect of Constructivist Learning Approach on Pre-service Teachers Problem Solving Skills in Mathematics at Wiawso College of Education

Evans Atteh · Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences · 2022

Effect of Co-operative Learning Approach on Students’ Achievements in Solving Word Problems Involving Fractions

Evans Atteh, Matthew Adusei · Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports · 2022

Showing 6 of 7 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.

Related research

Article metrics

Real usage data collected on this platform.

0

Page views

0

PDF downloads

0

Outbound clicks

7

Citations

Views by country

Approximate, from request IP at view time — not citizenship or institution. Countries with fewer than 5 views are grouped as "Other".

No views recorded yet.

Traffic sources

Referring site, by host.

No traffic recorded yet.

Views and downloads exclude known bots/crawlers. Citations combines this platform's own DOI-resolved index with each external source's own reported total — see Cited by above for individually listed citing works. Last refreshed 0 seconds ago.