3D printer technology and 3D design are used in many fields and are gaining various uses day by day. It is seen that the quality of education and training has increased with the effective use of 3D technology in the education and training environment. This study aims to investigate the attitudes of Pre-Service Teachers about the use of 3D printer activities made with Tinkercad in science education. 43 science pre-service teachers participated in the study, which lasted 8 weeks. A mixed research method was used in this study. The problem-solving scale and the attitude scale towards the use of 3D printers in science education were applied to the pre-service teachers. To collect the research data, the attitude scale was applied as a pre-test and post-test. For Paired samples, a t-test was applied and analyses were performed. In qualitative studies, semi-structured student interview questions were applied. According to the findings of the study, there was a significant increase in students' positive attitudes towards the use of 3D printers in science education. Tinkercad and 3D printer trainings have been given and applications have been made within the scope of these trainings. There have been 6 activities related to 3D printers. Thanks to 3D printers, students have the opportunity to present creative ideas and things they imagine to life by making designs in their minds. It seems that abstract concepts related to the sciences are embodied with a 3D printer and turned into tangible objects. Examining a physical object makes it easier for students to identify mistakes they have made in designs. It is seen that they do creative and solution-oriented work against the problems they encounter. Thus, it is predicted that learning will be more permanent and effective.

Bring your own device (BYOD) policy implementation in schools worldwide has allowed students to learn subjects, including mathematics, using personal mobile devices (PMDs). PMD use has enhanced students’ mathematics enjoyment by bridging the gap between theoretical mathematics concepts and their practical applications, which makes mathematics more meaningful and leads to improved results. Nonetheless, students in Namibian basic education are not authorised to learn with PMDs in school. While students’ PMD use in school remains a topic of debate, there remains a need to investigate its impact on students’ mathematics learning and teachers’ perceptions of BYOD in mathematics classrooms. This study evaluated the perceptions and intentions of 209 Namibian mathematics teachers from the Omusati and Khomas regions regarding students’ mathematics learning using PMDs in schools. Data were collected through an online survey. A structural equation model revealed teachers’ positive intentions towards students’ use of PMDs through BYOD in learning mathematics in school. Perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEoU), and price value (PV) factors directly affected the teachers’ behavioural intentions (BI) towards students learning mathematics through BYOD. PEoU significantly affected teachers’ PU, and PV significantly affected teachers’ PEoU and PU. PU significantly mediated the relationship between PEoU and teachers’ intentions. PV significantly indirectly affected teachers’ intentions through PU. PEoU non-significantly mediated the PV and intention relationship. Practical implications are discussed, and recommendations are offered for the Namibian Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and teacher training institutions.

Teachers and teaching styles are two important factors influencing students’ academic performance. In this action research study, we investigated the differential effectiveness of two teaching methods, conventional learning (CL) and peer-cooperative learning (PCL), on students’ academic performance in fractions. A sample of 120 tenth grade mathematics students from Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State in Nigeria was used for the study. The students were selected from three different secondary schools and grouped into two groups: the experimental (PCL) group and the control (CL) group, each having 60 students. A sample of 5 multiple-choice objective and 5 theory test questions titled Fraction Performance Test (FPT) was used to measure their academic performance after the treatment, and the assessment test scores were recorded. Descriptive statistics of the mean were used to answer the research question, while the two-way ANOVA technique was adopted for testing the research hypothesis at an alpha of 0.05. Summarily, the F (3, 116) statistic (= 8.55, p < .001) indicates significant differences in the effectiveness of the teaching methods. The mean scores also reveal that peer-cooperative learning was more effective than the conventional teaching approach. While the former proved to be a more efficacious treatment for female students, the latter was more suitable for male students. We recommend that different approaches be attempted by teachers, and the most effective in overcoming students’ resistance to learning and improving their academic performance be adopted.

Each student has a different amount of time to fully understand information, students with high academic ability (UA) need less time than students with low academic ability (LA). Teachers should apply learning models that can facilitate their study time according to their individual needs. The aim of this research is to assess which learning model is most optimal in reducing the gap in understanding mathematical concepts between UA and LA students. Apart from that, this research also evaluates the effectiveness of implementing the flipped class (FC) model in increasing students' understanding of mathematical concepts, compared to the problem-based learning (PBL) model and conventional learning models. The research method used was the N-Gain Test and ANCOVA. The research results show that the FC model is the most optimal in reducing the gap in understanding mathematical concepts between LA and UA students. In addition, both FC and PBL models have proven effective in increasing students' understanding of mathematical concepts when compared to conventional models. Future research could consider combining the FC model with PBL or other learning models to see whether combining these models can improve students' understanding of mathematical concepts more significantly.

The study investigated the impact of YouTube video assisted instructions (YVAI) on pre-service teachers’(PSTs) attitudes and academic performance in chemistry classroom. A quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. One hundred and twenty (120) Pre-Service Teachers (PSTs) pursuing primary education programme constituted the participants of the study. Sixty (60) PSTs each were non-randomly assigned to the Experimental Group (EG) and Control Group (CG). Data on PSTs’ attitude and performance were collected with PSTAS and GCPT respectively. The SPSS software version 20 was used to analyse the data to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. A non-parametric analysis was used in the inferential statistics. The attitude means rank (MR=78.62) of EG (U = 713.000, Z=-6.924, p <.001) was statistically higher than CG (MR=42.38) (U = 713.000, Z=-6.924, p <.001) after treatment. The EG after treatment recorded a mean rank (80.86) statistically higher than CG (40.14), U = 578.500, Z = -6.441, p <.001 after treatment. YVAI was proven as an effective instructional strategy that enhances learners’ altitudinal changes and performance. The study recommended the use of YouTube technological-driven instructions to support classroom instructions.

Learning to teach mathematics has become crucial since its application in real life cannot go unmentioned. The desire of mathematics education researchers to make mathematics concepts easier for pre-service teachers to easily understand has attracted attention. This has become indispensable since after college, pre-service teachers are deployed from K-12 to assist learners in understanding mathematics concepts. The study aimed to ascertain how improvement in the learning of mathematics concepts using the Problem-based learning (PBL) approach could be understood and/or explained among pre-service teachers. This was viewed in two folds: how improvement in learning outcomes using the PBL approach could be explained; and how pre-service teachers’ disposition about the PBL could be explained/understood. Exploratory case study design involving qualitative and quantitative data was concurrently gathered and used. This involved the use of data collection instruments such as focus group discussion, pre-post-test scores, PBL observation protocol, and PBL disposition questionnaire. The study showed that the PBL method improved the learning of mathematics concepts among pre-service teachers. Pre-service teachers also showed a positive disposition (interest, belief, and attitude) toward the PBL intervention. The authors advocated for the conduct of a longitudinal study to understand the direction of change over time.

This paper aims to examine the trends around research in science teaching following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This event had a significant impact on education institutions, as it led to the shift to online learning that challenged educators in terms of planning, implementing, and dealing with issues such as the deteriorating mental and physical health of students. This is reflected in the trends of researchers. Contemporary trends around science teaching seem to focus on new teaching practices, modes, areas of investigation, and the impact of modern technology. However, there is limited bibliometric research examining the impact of COVID-19 on science teaching. Hence, 12,840 documents published from 2020 onwards were collected and analyzed from the Scopus platform. The analysis depicted a general interest of researchers around this topic. Findings regarding the focus and area of study, country, and the yearly rate of publication are aligned with those that focus on the individual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and science education. This can give insights to the general trends regarding the future of science teaching.

This study compares experts' and teachers' conceptualization of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The study participants included teachers (n=20) enrolled in a graduate mathematics education course on PCK. Participants responded to two open-ended questions: a) describe in your own words what PCK is; b) provide an example of PCK. The responses were collected, qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and then compared to those suggested by experts to identify and describe the similarities and differences between teachers’ and experts’ conceptualizations using the Pareto analysis. Experts’ and teachers’ PCK components ranking was analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Even though the results of the quantitative analysis were not significant (e.g., the observed U-value is 32 whereas the critical value of U at p < .05 is 13), the qualitative discussion on the differences between expert and teachers’ ranking suggests insightful interpretation of priorities among PCK components across the two groups.

This study delved into the factors affecting secondary school students’ interest to learn Mathematics. The aim was to gather insights that can inform strategies aimed at enhancing students' engagement, enthusiasm, and achievement in Mathematics education. Literature information was downloaded using databases such as Google Scholar, ERIC, Search 4 Life, Scopus, Web of Science, and Academia. Of the 129 studies obtained, 117 articles were retained after removing duplicates and studies that did not meet the themes of the study. Further filtering of studies by removing primary and higher learning school-related studies allowed the retention of 25 relevant pieces of research published between 2000 and 2024. The results from the systematic reviews analysis showed that instructional strategy, instructional materials, the importance of Mathematics, a future career in Mathematics, students’ attitudes towards Mathematics, students’ enjoyment of Mathematics lessons, teachers and parental support, and students’ perception towards Mathematics, are amongst the key factors affecting positively secondary school students’ interest to learn Mathematics.  

This study investigated the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into secondary school chemistry education in Zimbabwe, assessing their impact on student engagement and academic performance. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory and Cognitive Load Theory, the research employed a mixed-methods approach within a pragmatic framework. Quantitative data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments and structured surveys, comparing an experimental group using AI tools with a control group employing traditional methods. Qualitative data from student and teacher interviews and classroom observations were analysed thematically. ANCOVA analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in post-test scores between the experimental and control groups, F (1, 117) = 188.86, p < .005, η² = 0.617, demonstrating a large effect size of AI integration on academic performance. Students in the experimental group exhibited a mean improvement of 20%, controlling for pre-test differences. Additionally, interaction effects between AI use and gender (F (1,115) = 0.17, p = .684) as well as prior chemistry knowledge (F (1,115) = 0.05, p = .829) were not statistically significant. Furthermore, 85% of the experimental group reported higher engagement levels, confirming AI’s role in fostering motivation and conceptual understanding. AI tools facilitated personalized learning paths, interactive simulations, and real-time feedback, optimizing cognitive efficiency and deep learning. Despite these advantages, significant challenges emerged, including limited internet access, insufficient technological resources, lack of teacher training, and curriculum integration difficulties. These barriers highlight the need for strategic investments in digital infrastructure, professional development for educators, and curriculum revisions to fully integrate AI into chemistry education. The findings underscore AI’s transformative potential in STEM education within developing nations. Addressing infrastructural and pedagogical challenges is critical to maximizing AI's impact, ensuring equitable access, and fostering long-term sustainability in educational innovation.

Global concern surrounds students' mathematics learning, development, and achievement. Scholarly discussions have explored various factors influencing students' mathematics performance. However, more information is needed to understand the impact of mathematics teaching styles on student outcomes in developing contexts like Nepal. This study examines the moderators of mathematics teaching styles and their influence on students' performance. To achieve this, the Teachers' Teaching Style Questionnaire (TTSQ) collected quantitative data from 469 grade nine students across 14 high schools in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts of Nepal. Confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and moderation analysis were performed to examine the effects of teaching styles on student achievement in mathematics. Key findings indicate that teaching styles, such as consideration and openness, are not significant predictors of student achievement, but rigid teaching styles can predict student achievement in mathematics. However, impact of the rigid teaching style was negative on student achievement. School type influenced the relationship between performance and considerate teaching, favoring private schools. School location influenced the relationship between considerate teaching and student performance in mathematics, favoring rural schools. Likewise, urban schools had a negative effect on the relationship between teacher openness and student performance, but rural schools had a positive effect on their relationship. Furthermore, low and high-ability students moderated the relationship between considerate teaching and student achievement, with the negative effect of low ability on considerate teaching and student performance and the positive influence of high ability on considerate teaching and student achievement. Student ability influenced the relationship between teacher openness and student performance, with a negative moderations of low and moderate ability students. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of teacher training in teaching styles for high schools in Nepal and similar contexts.

Research consistently highlights the importance of promoting creativity in curricula worldwide and within school settings. However, teachers often fail to recognize mathematical creativity (mainly described and evaluated through fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration) and are usually ill-prepared to enhance it in their students. Few studies have incorporated educational programs focused on mathematical creativity, showing positive results in enriching participants' knowledge and perception of creativity. Nevertheless, participants' teaching practices were not observed, leading to uncertainty about whether these participants could integrate opportunities for students’ development of mathematical creativity in their lessons. In this qualitative study, we attempt to bridge this gap by observing teachers' practices before and after an intervention focused on mathematical creativity. Seven in-service primary school Greek teachers participated in the study. Their teaching practices were examined through classroom observation, using an observation protocol, before and after their voluntary participation in an educational program aimed at enriching their knowledge of mathematical creativity and their ability to cultivate it in the classroom. Observational data were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results showed that prior to the intervention, participants sparsely employed creativity-fostering approaches in their teaching. However, after the intervention, they significantly increased the time spent on creativity-provoking tasks, utilizing various creativity-promoting approaches and primarily focusing on developing fluency, flexibility, and generating new knowledge. Nevertheless, they did not significantly develop their skills in originality and elaboration, indicating the need for further support in cultivating these aspects of creativity. Future implications for professional teacher training and mathematics textbook writing are discussed.

This study explores how mentor teachers in specialized teaching areas, particularly chemistry, interact in an Online Professional Development (OPD) program. The Mentor Teacher Professional Development (MeT-PD) program was designed to improve mentoring practices by creating opportunities for collaborative learning through various online activities, such as Individual Response (IR), Interactive Individual Response (IIR), Small Group Discussions (SGD), and Large Group Discussions (LGD). Using a qualitative case study approach, the research analyzed data collected from Zoom recordings and Nearpod activity logs. The findings indicate that while LGDs were useful for interactions between facilitators and learners, they were not as effective in fostering interaction among learners themselves, mainly due to the cognitive demands and how these discussions were structured. On the other hand, SGDs seemed to foster stronger participant interaction, probably because the smaller group settings led to more valuable exchanges. These findings highlight the need of thoughtful planning of OPD activities, with particular focus on group size management and selection of suitable discussion formats to improve both interaction and learning outcomes.

In this study, a topic-based analysis of students’ academic performance in mathematics across specific topic areas in selected lower secondary schools in Rwanda was conducted. The research examined third-term exam scripts (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) of 267 Senior One (S1) and Senior Two (S2) students at Groupe Scolaire Rushara, Groupe Scolaire Sheli, and Groupe Scolaire Nyarugugu, along with data from their eight mathematics teachers. A quantitative approach was employed using ANOVA to compare students’ performance across five key mathematics topics: algebra, metric measurement, proportional reasoning, geometry, and statistics and probability. The findings revealed significant improvement in statistics and probability (p =.000, η² = 0.293) and geometry (p =.000, η² = 0.178) between S1 and S2 students. In contrast, metric measurement showed no significant difference (p =.234, η² = 0.003), while algebra demonstrated minimal improvement (p =.050, η² = 0.007). Proportional reasoning showed moderate progress (p =.000, η² = 0.057), although students continued to struggle with applying proportional relationships. These results indicate that while notable gains were made in some areas, others require targeted pedagogical interventions to improve students’ conceptual understanding and performance in mathematics. The study underscores the importance of adaptive teaching strategies, enhanced instructional materials, and a more student-centered approach to mathematics education in lower secondary schools in Rwanda.

Data from over 1,500 middle-grade mathematics students were used to investigate their mathematical affect and identity. Early secondary students were asked if they considered themselves mathematicians and a prompt was employed to substantiate their mathematical identity. Separating by gender and grade affiliation (6, 7, and 8), Chi-square and Z-score analyses were used to compare subgroups. Data show that the gap in male and female mathematics identity and affect is shrinking. Though progress has occurred in encouraging young women to consider themselves mathematicians, work remains. Consistent with previous research concerning the sustained and relatively permanent nature of mathematical affect/identity at grade six, in this study it appeared to become stable near grade 7 (approximately age 13). Perhaps not ironically, grade seven appears to be the age at which adolescents enter a period of successful abstract reasoning, and the age (13) aligns with the beginning of pre-algebra for many grades seven students.