Teachers’ Attitude towards the Use of Excel Software, to Teach and Learn Statistics on Learner’s Performance in Rwanda’s Kicukiro Public Upper Secondary Schools

Theobald Gasigwa, Servilien Bimenyimana & Josias Nteziryimana
University of Rwanda College of Education (UR-CE), African Center of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science (ACEITLMS) in Master of Education in Mathematics-Education.
Email: tgasigwa@gmail.com

Abstract: The development of technology, especially ICT, influences education. There was the initiation of smart classrooms and the distribution of laptops to science teachers, in 2016 in Rwanda. But for now, a few pupils do poorly on questions involving probability and statistics but do well in other areas of the math exam, when they use calculators. This study examined the attitude of teachers towards the use of Excel software to teach and learn statistics. The target population was upper public schools in the Kicukiro district having smart classrooms, teachers who have computers, and having combinations studying core mathematics. Sixteen (16) who had the required prerequisites were interviewed. Case study research design and thematic analysis were used. Results indicated a positive attitude of teachers to integrate Excel software in teaching and learning statistics. According to this study, more computer labs should be established, teachers should be trained in computer use and software like Excel, and all teachers should be given computers, to allow students to use Excel software in statistics, and to use Excel software in all secondary schools in teaching and learning statistics in other Rwandan districts, as well as in academic institutions.