Effective Learning of Mathematics by Year 7 Students using the Bar Model Method: Case of Brunei Students

Abstract

Mathematics is one of the challenging subjects in the Brunei education system. Achievement rate in this subject is often low especially among males. Both barriers and enablers of success need to be identified early to help fix the problem. The present field survey (N = 254 randomly selected Year 7 students, 144 males and 110 females) examined the: (1) attitudes and perceptions of students towards the Bar Model Method (BMM) of teaching and learning mathematics; (2) predictors of achievement in mathematics; and (3) effectiveness of the BMM in teaching and learning mathematics. Both genders and age-groups had positive attitudes and perceptions towards the BMM. In addition, the majority of participants (all genders, age-groups and districts) stated that the BMM was effective and liked the strategy. Furthermore, the participants’ Word Problem-Solving Achievement Test (WPSAT) posttest scores did not differ significantly by gender and age-group. However, students in Brunei-Muara and Kuala Belait districts scored significantly higher at the posttest level than those in Tutong. Two implications were drawn from this finding. First, schools in Tutong might not be well-resourced like those in the other two districts. Second, more BMM work with students was required in Tutong to facilitate mastery of the strategy.