Effectiveness of Laboratory Method on Enhancing Public Senior Secondary Students’ Academic Achievement in Learning Geometric Constructions

Abstract

This research evaluated the impact of the laboratory learning method on
geometric construction achievements among senior secondary school students
in the Abeokuta South area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Through a quasi
experimental design, this study engaged 102 mathematics students from
Senior Secondary 1 (SS1), comparing the traditional classroom method with
innovative
laboratory-based
instruction.
Utilising
the
Construction
Achievement Test (CAT), developed specifically for this research, alongside
tailored instructional packages, the study sought to determine significant
differences in learning outcomes. Findings, analysed using Analysis of
Covariance (ANCOVA), suggested a noteworthy improvement in students'
understanding of geometric constructions through laboratory methods, with
gender-based differences also observed. Recommendations made include
widespread establishment of mathematics laboratories and adoption of
laboratory-based learning for practical-oriented topics in mathematics.