Effectiveness of process stage model on select learning outcomes in mathematics among secondary school students

Abstract

Mathematics is a profound and fascinating domain, intricately connecting the threads of logic, patterns, and the very essence of the universe. Mathematics education is crucial globally due to it’s connection to artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, climate modelling, infrastructure development, and other scientific issues. The importance and contribution of Mathematics to the world is uncountable as it continues to play a crucial role in our day-to-day existence and will continue to influence future generations. In spite of the importance of mathematics education, the students express a variety of unfavourable attitude towards mathematics which includes fear of mathematics, lack of interest in mathematics, negative attitude as well as naive beliefs related to Mathematics. To strengthen Mathematics education, research should focus on a holistic approach which emphasizes both cognitive and affective outcomes in learning to make Mathematics learning enjoyable and meaningful. This includes the use of a variety of strategies by teachers, emphasizing that mathematical skills can be enhanced through practice and effort, and that making mistakes is a natural and valuable part of the learning journey. If the teacher designs a suitable instructional strategy for the learning of Mathematics, the students’ beliefs, interest, motivation to learn Mathematics and to select Mathematics for higher education can be nurtured. Thus, the investigator decided to find out the effectiveness of a value based approach in Mathematics to enhance cognitive and affective outcomes of learning Mathematics. Hence, the study aims to find out the effectiveness of Process Stage Model to enhance learning outcomes in Mathematics such as Achievement in Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Achievement Motivation in Mathematics, and Mathematical Beliefs and to reduce Mathematics Anxiety among secondary school students. The findings of the study indicated that the Process Stage Model is effective for enhancing Achievement in Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Achievement Motivation in Mathematics, and Mathematical Beliefs of secondary school students. Results also indicated that the Process Stage Model is effective for reducing Mathematics Anxiety of secondary school students.