Improving Senior Five Students’ Learning of Trigonometry Using Microsoft Excel in Schools of Rwamagana District, Rwanda

Jean Bosco Turatsinze & Benjamin Bizimana
African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science (ACEITLMS)
University of Rwanda-College of Education (UR-CE)
Email: turajeanb@gmail.com

Abstract: In Rwamagana District, Rwanda, students’ performance in trigonometry is extremely poor, this is to a great extent attributed to the use of conventional teaching methods. The purpose of this study is to ascertain that Microsoft Excel is used as a learning tool to enhance students’ understanding of the concept of trigonometry. The target population was all senior five students enrolled in mathematics related combinations from 32 schools of Rwamagana District, Rwanda. The study used a quasi-experimental design in which 32 students from two schools were selected purposively as a control group and 37 students from two schools were selected purposively as experimental group. The results showed that students who received instruction using Microsoft Excel performed noticeably better than those who received instruction using traditional methods. The post-test mean score for the experimental group was 31.23 (SD = 3.42), significantly higher than the control group’s score of 24.78 (SD = 5.15). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Students who used Excel also performed more consistently and showed a deeper conceptual grasp of trigonometric functions. According to the study’s findings, incorporating Microsoft Excel into trigonometry lessons improves students’ academic performance. The study recommends mathematics teachers to use Excel as a regular teaching tool and support blended learning strategies.