Problem-Based Geometry in Seventh Grade: Examining the Effect of Path-Based Vs. Conventional Instruction on Learning Outcomes

Abstract

This experimental study examined the impact of learning and teaching ge-ometry in seventh-grade geometry education comparing learning-path and conventional instruction. According to constructivism, a learning path with the use of learning objects should enhance learner autonomy and self-directedness by providing differentiated instruction. We designed a model of path-based geometry learning in a learning management system–based learning environment with the use of dynamic geometry programs and applets, which fosters visualisation and the exploration of geometric concepts through the manipulation of interactive virtual representations. The results show that the experimental group (EG) achieved higher scores on all levels of knowledge and statistically significantly better results in taxonomy level-III tasks (problem-solving knowledge) and overall score than the control group (CG). There was initial equivalence between the EG and CG in prior knowledge. The authors concluded that path-based geometry learning empirically develops knowledge at higher cognitive levels.