Open Access
American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
ISSN (Online): 2378-7031
DOI: 10.46568/arjhss
Students’ experiences about PBL as theylearn Developmental Mathematics at a Higher Education Institution in Trinidad and Tobago: A qualitative case study
Abstract
This action research highlights the experiences of undergraduate students who studied Developmental Mathematics using the Problem-Based Learning(PBL)
strategy. They were exposed to fifteen weeks intervention at a Higher Educationinstitution in Trinidad and Tobago called HilltopCollege. A review of the existing
literature within the local context indicated that there is a paucityof information about theirexperiences.Consequently, their experiences are critically important
since they can be an impetus for the formulation of policy and implementation towards the teaching/learning of Developmental Mathematics inthis country.Thus,
it is absolutely necessary that policy makers heed the voices of these students especially when they are formulating curriculum that pertain to Developmental
Mathematics. A qualitative case study was conducted to carefully ascertain their experiences and answer the research question: What are students´ experiences
with Problem-Based Learning in the study of Developmental Mathematics at Hilltop College? Twenty-four students participated. A structured questionnaire
and semi-structured interviews were utilized with four focusgroups. Data were analyzed under six major headings: Approach to teaching, social relationships,
resources, pace of teaching, emotional intelligence and the role of the teacher. Recommendations strongly advocating that student-centered strategies be
employed when studying Developmental Mathematics were also offered.