Improving Grade 7 Students’ Mathematics Achievement in Exponents Using the 5-Step Learning Process

Abstract

The objective of this research is to improve the learning achievement in exponents of Grade 7 students to ensure that not less than 70% of the students achieve the average learning achievement of 70% or more, using the 5-step learning process. The subjects of this study are 26 Grade 7 students (Class 7/2) of Phuket Thai Hua ASEAN Wittaya School in the first semester of academic year 2017. The specified sampling method was used for sample selection. The tools used in this study include (1) 13 teaching plans of the 3^rd learning unit on exponents using the 5-step learning process, lasting 13 hours, and (2) achievement test of the 3^rd learning unit on exponents, consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions. Statistics used for data analysis are average (x), standard deviation (S.D.), and percentage.

The research findings revealed that the instruction of the 3^rd learning unit on exponents, using the 5-step learning process enabled 17 out of 20 students (accounting for 7.08%) to pass the criterion of 70%. The students’ average post-instruction achievement assessment score was 16.63 or 83.15% and the standard deviation achieved was 1.42, which was higher than the criterion set.