English abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Aplusix program in teaching algebra to female basic education students in the sultanate of Oman in influencing their achievements and algebraic thinking. The study depended of the quasi-experimental method. The sample consisted of (54) female students in grade nine of the basic education in Muscat governate. The sample was divided into two groups: The experimental group which was taught by using Aplusix program consisted of (28) female students, and the control group which was taught by the normal method and consisted of (26) female students.
To achieve the aims of the study, the researcher designed a teacher guide for the unit of equations and functions by using the program. She also designed two achievement tests and an algebraic thinking test which had their validity calculated by a group of referrals. The internal consistency for the three tests was also checked by using alpha cronbach coefficient. The achievement test reliability coefficient was scored as (0.71), and the algebraic thinking reliability coefficient was scored as (0.74) which are educationally acceptable values. The achievement test was administered immediately after teaching the unit. The algebraic thinking test was administered twice: before teaching the unit and immediately after teaching the unit.
The results have shown that there were statistically significant differences between the mean of experimental and control groups in the achievement test in favor of the experimental group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the mean of the two groups in the algebraic thinking test. In the light of these results, the study has come up with several recommendations including developing patterns of mathematical thinking like algebraic thinking for the female students by using advanced media technologies and updated educational programs. The study also highlighted the necessity of spreading awareness and training teachers to use self-learning by the interactive and educational programs for they are important and effective in promoting achievement.
