The effectiveness of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) to improve pupils motivational level and performance in mathematics

Abstract

Geometry is considered as an essential component to be mastered in the primary school mathematics curriculum. However, it is classified as a difficult topic among lower primary pupils as it requires them to have a clear understanding in order to be expert in shapes and spaces. In line with this, a research has been conducted among Year 3 pupils to see the effectiveness of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) to improve pupils’ motivational level and performance in Mathematics. The use of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) supports the idea of 21st century learning, which is a major aspect of the Malaysian Education Blueprint. Mobile augmented reality (MAR) is one of the most advanced technology in the education sector tailored for 21st Century learning. It is a technology that combines two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) virtual objects into a real three-dimensional environment and projects those virtual objects in real time with mobile phones. MAR helps pupils to visualize the shapes and enable them to identify the features of shapes more accurately. The use of MAR as a teaching aid seen to be stimulates the interest of the pupils to learn the topic and pupils were more interested and engaged during the lesson. The effectiveness of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) in improving the pupil’s performance is measured with pre-test and post-test. Questionnaires were provided to investigate the effectiveness of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) in improving the pupil’s motivational level. The analyses were also used to identify the significant relationship between pupils’ motivational level and performance and the level of master of pupils in learning the features after the use of MAR. Findings indicate that the performance and level of mastery the topic of pupil were better in the post test and they were highly motivated. Besides, this research shows that there is significant relationship between motivational level and performance. It is hoped that the finding of the research will insight teachers and educators about the use and importance of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) in Mathematics especially for Geometry.