Use of Physics Education Technology (PHET) Simulations to Enhance Students’ Achievement in Bivariate Statistics within Selected Secondary Schools of Muhanga District, Rwanda

Uwimana Jerome and Mugabo Rugema Leon
African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science (ACEITLMS),
College of Education, University of Rwanda
Email: uwjeron@gmail.com

Abstract: This quasi-experimental research was conducted to examine the effects of using Physics Education Technology simulations on students’ achievement in bivaria te statistics within selected secondary schools of the Muhanga District of Rwanda. This paper reports results from experimental study details on the use of Physics Education Technology simulations to enhance students’ achievement in bivariate statistics. Two classes of students from senior five, who have mathematics as a core subject, selected from two schools participated in the study. One class was the control group which was taught using the conventional teaching method while another class was the experimental group which was taught using the conventional teaching method supported by Physics Education Technology simulation activities. The main instrument used to gather information was mathematics assessment pre-and post-tests administered before and after the intervention. The study showed that students improved their achievement on bivariate statistics after their exposure to PhET simulations and conventional teaching methods. Significant differences from their pre-test and post-test scores were found for both groups. It was found out that there was no significant difference between the PhET simulations and conventional teaching method pre-test scores means whereas there was a significant difference in their post-test score means. This study found that the use of Physics Education Technology simulations in learning bivariate statistics can improve the students’ achievement .