Influence of Laboratory Method on Students’ Mathematical Creativity in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of laboratory method on students’ mathematical creativity in junior secondary schools in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The study was guided by three research questions and three hypotheses. The Pretest- Postest non-randomise control group design was adopted for the study. A sample of 122 students from two intact classes selected randomly was used for the study. The instruments for data collection were the Mathematics Creativity Test (MCT) and Students Attitude towards Mathematics Questionnaire (SAMQ). The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation, and the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The result indicated that Laboratory method of teaching significantly enhance students’ creativity in mathematics. The method equally enhanced mathematical creativity of both male and female students. Students’ attitude towards mathematics also influenced mathematical creativity significantly. Among others, it was recommended that mathematics teachers should explore the use of laboratory method in teaching various concepts in Junior Secondary School level.