Exploring the Effects of Mathematics Laboratory Usage on students’ Skills Development: A Case of Selected Public Secondary Schools in Musanze District, Rwanda

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore how the use of mathematics laboratories affects the development of mathematics skills in learners from selected public secondary schools in Musanze District, Rwanda. Adopting constructivism theory, the study utilized a descriptive research design and a mixed-methods approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, interviews, and classroom observations, respectively. The study randomly sampled 348 learners and 16 mathematics teachers from the targeted population of 2679 participants. In relation to students' standardized test scores and teacher assessments, the analysis examined the frequency of lab use, lab activities, resource quality, and teacher training. Findings from quantitative data revealed positive correlations between lab usage and skill development across all measures. The frequency of lab use and teacher training were particularly strong predictors of improved performance. The results show that how often teachers use the lab (B =.122, p <.001) and their training and support (B =.150, p =.010) have a big effect on their evaluations, which means that these things have a positive effect on evaluations. In contrast, the types of lab activities and the quality of lab resources have no significant impact. These findings suggest that enhancing lab use frequency and providing robust training and support for teachers are crucial for improving teacher assessments. Interview results show that hands-on activities significantly boost critical thinking and the real-world application of mathematical concepts. From classroom observations, the study revealed remarkable discrepancies in student participation and resource availability between day and boarding schools. The findings suggest that the school administration should incorporate lab activities into the curriculum, enhance the frequency of lab use, and facilitate continuous teacher training by providing sufficient resources. Teachers should integrate engaging lab activities to strengthen theoretical concepts and encourage active learning. Students are urged to actively participate in lab sessions and look for help when necessary. These results help us understand how mathematics laboratories can improve learning outcomes in Rwandan secondary schools.