EFFECT OF BLENDED LEARNING EDUCATIONAL MODEL ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' MATHEMATICS CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING

The study was conducted to assess the effect of a blended learning educational model on grade ten students' mathematics conceptual understanding in Ethiopia. A non-equivalent pre-test and post-test quasiexperimental design was employed. Two intact classes from different schools were randomly selected and assigned to experimental (n=38) and comparison group (n=45). From the previous semester, students' record book revealed that both groups have almost an equivalent mathematics performance. A one-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test were used to analyze the data. Moreover, to check the equivalence of the groups, the same pre-test was developed and administered. The result indicates that both groups were equivalent. The test covers tenth-grade topics relations and functions, polynomial functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. The study shows that students instructed through the blended learning approach surpassed those taught via the conventional method in their comprehension of mathematical concepts. The one-way ANOVA statistical result revealed there is a notable disparity between groups with effect size of ri2 =.269, which is a large effect size. Moreover, a paired sample t-test shows the experimental group showed a substantial mean difference of 14.327 with a very large effect size (d=1.016) when compared with the comparison group. Thus, the study shows that blended learning was more effective in improving mathematical conceptual understanding when compared with a conventional method of teaching. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends blended learning in mathematics education and suggests stakeholders and policymakers incorporate the model into the curriculum.