Improving Mathematical Problems-Solving Ability in Nonlinear Equations in One Variable for Grade 9 Students Using STAD Technique and Polya’s Method

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) compare the mathematical problem-solving ability in nonlinear equations in one variable for Grade 9 Students using STAD technique and Polya’s problem-solving process method with 70% criterion, 2) compare the learning achievement before learning with after learning using STAD technique and Polya’s problem-solving process method, and 3) study Grade 9 Students’ satisfaction towards learning activities using STAD technique and Polya’s problem-solving process method. The samples were 35 Grade 9 Students, Kuchinarai School, derived by the cluster random sampling. The research instruments included learning management plans, the tests for mathematical problem-solving ability, learning achievement tests, and the satisfaction assessment form. The statistics for analyzing the data contained the mean, standard deviation, percentage and t-test. The research findings exposed that: 1) the students gained mathematical problem-solving ability in nonlinear equations in one variable higher than 70% criterion at the statistical significance of .05 level, 2) the learning achievement after learning appeared higher than before learning at the statistical significance of .05 level, and 3) the students’ satisfaction level towards learning management was at the much level ( = 4.23, S.D. = 0.71).