Abstract :

This study investigated the effect of GeoGebra Software Classic 6 on first-year students’ graphing skills of Hyperbola Functions and confidence in Lusaka district. Quasi-experimental was used in the study, that is, pre-test post-test control group design. The research sample consisted of two first-year students lecture groups. The study comprised an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=25) first-year students studying MAT 101 (Foundation Mathematics) at one institution in Lusaka district. First-year students in the experimental group were taught using GeoGebra Software Classic 6 and those in the control group were taught using traditional teaching methods. A Hyperbola Function Achievement Test (HFAT) and a 5-point Likert Scale confidence questionnaire was used to assess the effect of GeoGebra Software Classic 6 on First-year students’ confidence on how to graph Hyperbolic Functions. An independent samples t-test was used to compare academic achievement of the two groups at 95% confidence level. Confidence in handling Hyperbolic Functions was analysed using descriptive statistics (mean). The findings showed that GeoGebra Software Classic 6 had a positive effect on first-year students’ graphing skills in Hyperbolic Functions . The study also revealed that GeoGebra Software Classic 6 allowed male and female First-year students to learn how to graph Hyperbolic Functions at the same level and this led to a conclusion that GeoGebra Software Classic 6 is not discriminatory and effects positively on gender. The confidence results indicated that first-year students’ confidence on how to graph Hyperbolic Functions was enhanced more in the experimental group compared to the control group with confidence mean of  and respectively. In view of these findings, lecturers of mathematics are advised to utilize the graphing application GeoGebra Software Classic 6 in their lecture theatres. Additionally, lecturers of mathematics in Higher Learning of Institutions should be encouraged to use GeoGebra Software Classic 6 in the teaching of how to graph Hyperbolic, Parabola, and Ellipse Functions.

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Keywords :

Confidence, GeoGebra Software Classic 6, Graphing skills, Hyperbola Functions

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