Effectiveness of integrating science process-skills in teaching mathematics on students’ problem-solving abilities and achievement by gender in secondary schools in Tharaka-Nithi county, Kenya

Abstract

Mathematics is a product of man's inquiry on natural phenomena which awakens logical thinking contrary to accumulation of facts to satisfy man’s curiosity to subdue the environment. Inadequacy of qualified personnel especially in mathematics and scientific fields implies insufficiency in food production, insecurity, poor health services and may slow technological upbeat in a country. Science process skills are basic concepts which do nurture cognitive and affective skills akin to problem solving abilities, creativity and favourable attitudes towards mathematics and science. The study investigated the Effectiveness of Integrating Science Process-Skills in Teaching Mathematics on Students’ Problem Solving Abilities and Achievement by Gender in Secondary Schools in Tharaka-Nithi County. Solomon Four Group Design was utilized where eight schools participated with four Boys’ schools and four Girls’ schools. Piloting was done in Embu County in a school not participating in the main study to ascertain the reliability and validity of instruments. Data analysis was facilitated using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 19.0. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as t-test, and ANOVA were utilized. Hypotheses were tested at α = 0.05 level of significance. The findings established that integration of science process-skills in teaching mathematics significantly improved the students’ abilities irrespective of gender. The study findings recommend all stakeholders, policy makers, curriculum developers and teachers to embrace integration of science process skills for meaningful learning towards technological realignments in Kenya. Suggestions are made on how adopt and appreciate integration of science process skills in teaching to nurture students’ potentiality in creativity, problem solving and empower their computational skills. Keywords: Science-Process Skills, Problem-Solving Abilities, Achievement, and Gender Parity