MATHEMATICS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: IMPROVING STUDENTS’ LEARNING THROUGH RICH MATHEMATICAL TASKS STRATEGY

<doi>10.24250/jpe/SI/2023/AOS/</doi>

Abstract

Mathematics is needed to achieve sustainable development goal 4, which targets inclusive, equitable education cum lifelong learning. Nonetheless, the students’ achievement in senior secondary mathematics is below average. Thus, this study examined the effects of the Rich Task strategy and numerical ability on senior secondary mathematics achievement. The sample comprised 203 pupils from two public senior secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, selected on purpose. Three data collection instruments are the Mathematics Achievement Test (r = 0.84), the Numerical Ability Test (r = 0.79), and the Treatment Instructional Package. The data collected were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 significance. The study discovered that the treatment significantly influenced students’ academic achievement, with the Rich Task instructional strategy found to be more effective than the conventional method. The findings also showed that numerical ability significantly impacted academic achievement, with high-ability students outperforming low and medium-ability students. However, there was no significant interaction effect between instructional strategies and numerical ability on students’ academic achievement. The study recommended that teachers employ Rich Task Strategy to meet their students’ different learning requirements and skills, and the implications for achieving sustainable development Goal 4 were identified.