Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology
The impact of GeoGebra-assisted problem solving based on variation theory on students’ motivation in geometry
Belete Abebaw Kassa 1 * , Mulugeta Atinafu Ayele 1, Aweke Shishigu Argaw 1
More Detail
1 Addis Ababa University (AAU) Department of Science and Mathematics Education, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
* Corresponding Author
Open Access Full Text (PDF)
ARTICLE INFO

Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, Online First, pp. 1-18
https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202534058

Article Type: Research Article

Published Online: 15 Jul 2025

Views: 3 | Downloads: 3

ABSTRACT
The study examined ninth-grade students’ motivation and its components in learning geometry through variation theory-based, GeoGebra-assisted problem-solving instructional approaches. A total of 125 students and 4 mathematics teachers were purposively selected for the study. A quasi-experimental research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using a motivation questionnaire. Four classes were selected, three of which served as treatment groups—Treatment Group 1, Treatment Group 2, and Treatment Group 3—each receiving a specific instructional intervention. One comparison group was also included, assigned using simple random sampling techniques. Both pre-test and post-test motivation items were administered before and after the intervention, respectively. ANCOVA and paired samples t-tests were used for data analysis. The findings revealed a significant mean difference between pre-test and post-test scores of students' motivation and its components in all treatment groups, unlike the comparison group. Notably, the mixed-treatment group showed the largest mean difference, indicating a substantial improvement in students’ motivation toward learning geometry. It is recommended that teachers receive support and training in implementing variation theory-based GeoGebra problem-solving approaches to enhance students’ motivation in geometry. School administrators should prioritize the integration of GeoGebra software by establishing computer labs, and government officials are encouraged to promote and support the implementation of technology in schools.
KEYWORDS
In-text citation: (Kassa et al., 2025)
Reference: Kassa, B. A., Ayele, M. A., & Argaw, A. S. (2025). The impact of GeoGebra-assisted problem solving based on variation theory on students’ motivation in geometry. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202534058
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Kassa BA, Ayele MA, Argaw AS. The impact of GeoGebra-assisted problem solving based on variation theory on students’ motivation in geometry. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology. 2025. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202534058
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Kassa BA, Ayele MA, Argaw AS. The impact of GeoGebra-assisted problem solving based on variation theory on students’ motivation in geometry. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology. 2025. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202534058
In-text citation: (Kassa et al., 2025)
Reference: Kassa, Belete Abebaw, Mulugeta Atinafu Ayele, and Aweke Shishigu Argaw. "The impact of GeoGebra-assisted problem solving based on variation theory on students’ motivation in geometry". Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology (2025). https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202534058
In-text citation: (Kassa et al., 2025)
Reference: Kassa, B. A., Ayele, M. A., and Argaw, A. S. (2025). The impact of GeoGebra-assisted problem solving based on variation theory on students’ motivation in geometry. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202534058
In-text citation: (Kassa et al., 2025)
Reference: Kassa, Belete Abebaw et al. "The impact of GeoGebra-assisted problem solving based on variation theory on students’ motivation in geometry". Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202534058
REFERENCES
  • Abera, B. (2013). The plasma-based instruction in Ethiopia: Utopia or Dystopia?. Educational Research and Reviews, 8(24), 2325-2338
  • Ahlquist, E. M. T., & Gynther, P. (2020). Teaching in the montessori classroom: investigating variation theory and embodiment as a foundation of teachers' development. Journal of Montessori Research, 6(1), 33-45. https://doi.org/10.17161/jomr.v6i1.12051
  • Aragaw, H. S. (2018). Practices, challenges and prospects of schoolnet implementation in secondary schools of Addis Ababa city administration [Doctoral dissertation]. Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
  • Arbain, N., & Shukor, N. A. (2015). The effects of GeoGebra on students achievement. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 172, 208-214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.01.356
  • Asare, B., Arthur, Y. D., & Obeng, B. A. (2025). Modeling motivation: The effect of peer teaching on mathematics achievement. International Journal of Didactical Studies, 6(2), Article 30243. https://doi.org/10.33902/ijods.202530243
  • Atnafu, M. (2012). Motivation, social support, alienation from the school and their impact on students’ achievement in Mathematics: the case of tenth grade students. Ethiopian Journal of Education and Sciences, 8(1), 53-74.
  • Bache, F. G., Deressa, C. T., & Hunde, A. B. (2023). GeoGebra-supported learning and secondary school students' motivation for learning geometry. Ethiopian Journal of Education and Sciences, 19(2), 11-27.
  • Bekele, S. (2023). Implementation of learner-centered pedagogy in Ethiopian secondary schools: Practices and challenges. Education Sciences, 13(4), 267. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13040267
  • Boaler, J. (1998). Open and closed mathematics: Student experiences and understandings. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 29(1), 41–62. https://doi.org/10.2307/749717
  • Çakıroğlu, Ü., & Öztürk, M. (2017). Flipped classroom with problem-based activities: Exploring self-regulated learning and achievement. Interactive Learning Environments, 25(8), 1052–1064. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2016.1240090
  • Cheng, E. W. (2016). Learning through the variation theory: a case study. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 28(2), 283-292.
  • Cohen, L., Manion, L., Morrison, K., & Wyse, D. (2010). A guide to teaching practice. Routledge.
  • Creswell, J. (2010). Educational research—planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Pearson Merril Prentice Hall.
  • Dasari, D, &Tamam, B. (2021, May). The use of Geogebra software in teaching mathematics. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1882(1), 012042. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1882/1/012042
  • Davidovitch, N., & Dorot, R. (2023). The effect of motivation for learning among high school students and undergraduate students--a comparative study. International Education Studies, 16(2), 117-127. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v16n2p117
  • Dereje, E. W. (2023). The effect of inquiry‑based technology integration on conceptual and procedural geometry knowledge. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 5(4), 12–27. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.202321592
  • Dereje, K., & Drukpa, P. (2020). Effectiveness of using GeoGebra on students’ conceptual understanding in differential calculus for grade XI students at Gongzim Ugyen Dorji Central School. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 7(9), 71–75.
  • Dogan, M., & Içel, R. (2011). The role of dynamic geometry software in the process of learning: GeoGebra example about triangles. Journal of Human Sciences, 8(1), 1441-1458.
  • Fiorella, L., Yoon, S. Y., Atit, K., Power, J. R., Panther, G., Sorby, S., Uttal, D. & Veurink, N. (2021). Validation of the Mathematics Motivation Questionnaire (MMQ) for secondary school students. International Journal of STEM Education, 8, 52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-021-00307-x
  • Hattie, J., & Yates, G. (2014). Visible learning and the science of how we learn. Routledge.
  • Hosseini, Z., Mehdizadeh, M., & Sadegi, M. (2022). Using geogebra in teaching geometry to enhance students’ academic achievement and motivation. Innovare Journal of Education, 10(3), 34-38. https://doi.org/10.22159/ijoe.2022v10i3.44792
  • Jing, T. J., Ahmad Tarmizi, R., Abu Bakar, K., & Aralas, D. (2017). The adoption of variation theory in the classroom: Effect on students’ algebraic achievement and motivation to learn. Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology, 15(2), 307–325. https://doi.org/10.14204/ejrep.42.16070
  • Lapinid, M. R. C., & Mendoza, J. B. (2024). The use of variation theory of learning in teaching solving right triangles. Mathematics Teaching-Research Journal, 16(3), 58–79.
  • Leal, P. R., Fernández-Cézar, R., Núñez, R. P., & Suárez, C. A. H. (2022). Academic Performance and Beliefs about Mathematics in College Students. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 18(3), 148-160.
  • Lo, M. L. (2012). Variation theory and the improvement of teaching and learning. Acta Universitatis Gothoburgensis.
  • Middleton, J. A., & Spanias, P. A. (1999). Motivation for achievement in mathematics: Findings, generalizations, and criticisms of the research. Journal for research in Mathematics Education, 30(1), 65-88. https://doi.org/10.2307/749630
  • Miller, K. A., Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1988). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Contemporary Sociology, 17(2), 253. https://doi.org/10.2307/2070638
  • Muijs, D. (2010). Doing quantitative research in education with SPSS. Sage.
  • Mulugeta, A., Zelalem, T., & Kassa, M. (2015). Perception of civil engineering extension students of Addis Ababa University Institute of Technology in the teaching of applied mathematics. Ethiopian Journal of Education and Sciences, 10(2), 51-78.
  • Murni, V., Sariyasa, S., & Ardana, I. M. (2017). GeoGebra assist discovery learning model for problem solving ability and attitude toward mathematics. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 895(1), 012049. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/895/1/012049
  • National Educational Assessment and Examinations Agency [NEAEA]. (2016). Ethiopian 5th National Learning Assessment of Grades 4 and 8 Students. Author.
  • Ofem, U. J., Ovat, S. V., Ntah, H., Ani, M. I., & Nwinyinya, E. (2024). Modelling achievement in mathematics: The predictive role of affective variables among students. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 6(2), 78–97. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202426613
  • Shadaan, P., & Leong, K. E. (2013). Effectiveness of using geogebra on students' understanding in learning circles. Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Technology, 1(4), 1-11.
  • Tessema, M. (2022). Emotional factors influencing mathematics achievement in Ethiopian secondary education. Journal of Educational Psychology, 114(3), 457–470. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000627
  • Tohidi, H., & Jabbari, M. M. (2012). The effects of motivation in education. Procedia-social and behavioral Sciences, 31, 820-824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.12.148
  • Uka, A., & Prendi, A. (2021). Motivation as an indicator of performance and productivity from the perspective of employees. Management & Marketing, 16(3), 268-285. https://doi.org/10.2478/mmcks-2021-0016
  • Wigfield, A., Gladstone, J. R., & Turci, L. (2016). Beyond cognition: Reading motivation and reading comprehension. Child development perspectives, 10(3), 190-195. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12184
  • Wole, A., Tarekegn, A., & Kebede, F. (2025). The role of social competence and academic help-seeking in mathematics achievement: Evidence from Ethiopian secondary schools. Journal of Educational Research, Online First. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2025.2290001
  • Wong, N.-Y. Kong, C.-K., Lam, C.-C., & Wong, K.-M. P. (2010). Changing students’ conceptions of mathematics through the introduction of variation 1. Journal of the Korea Society of Mathematical Education Series D, 14(4), 361–380.
  • Wulanningtyas, M. E. (2020). The effectiveness of learning circle assisted by geogebra software reviewed from creative thinking and visual thinking ability of junior high school students. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(12B), 8488-8494. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.082658
  • Yeshanew, A., Belachew, T., Gezahegn, H., & Tesfa, T. (2024). Improving grade ten students' achievement in solid geometry through guided inquiry-based instruction using variation theory. European Journal of Mathematics and Science Education, 5(4), 185-198. https://doi.org/10.12973/ejmse.5.4.185
LICENSE
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.