Mathematical Patterns: It's Impact on Students? Performance in College Algebra

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of mathematical patterns on the students performance in terms of conceptual understanding and achievement in college algebra and their perception towards the use of mathematical patterns. The study used the pretest-posttest quasi-experimental-control group design. Two sections were randomly chosen from the five sections that were officially enrolled in the first semester of school year 2014-2015. One group was randomly assigned as the control group and the second one as the experimental group. The control group had undergone the lecture-discussion while the experimental group underwent mathematical patterns. The study used three instruments Mathematics Achievement and Conceptual Understanding Tests and the Interview Guide Questions. The performance of both groups of the students in the pretest and posttest were described in terms of the mean and standard deviation. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine the effect of two teaching methods. Based on the analysis of the study, the results revealed that there was a significant difference in the students achievements and conceptual understanding scores as influenced by the teaching method which is the use of mathematical patterns. Furthermore, he students in the experimental group expressed that mathematical patterns was enjoyable and interesting because it allowed them to develop their critical thinking and made mathematics learning easier for them. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that the use of mathematical patterns is an effective method of teaching in improving students achievement and conceptual understanding. The researcher recommends that mathematical patterns may be used by mathematics teachers in their classes to help improve achievement and develop conceptual understanding even to pre-school, elementary and secondary levels.