ABSTRACT
The study investigated the effect of computer simulation on achievement and interest of students in Algebra at junior secondary school level. A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design was used in carrying out the research; the researcher used all the JSS II students in Isoko north educational zone of Delta State as the population of the study. Fifty-four students, from two schools (male and female) sampled, were used as sample for the study. Intact classes were assigned by balloting to either experimental or control group; and separately taught by their regular mathematics teachers who had earlier been trained for the purpose. All the groups were pre and post tested. Algebra Achievement Test (AAT) containing twenty multiple choice test and an Algebra Interest Inventory containing twenty items were used as instruments for both the control and the experimental groups. Four research questions and six hypotheses guided the study. The mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used in testing the hypotheses at p<0.05 level of significance. The results showed that the use of computer simulation approach in teaching affects students’ achievement and interest in algebra. Also there was no significant interaction effect between the teaching method and gender on students’ achievement and interest in Algebra. The study recommended among other things the incorporation of computer simulation approach in mathematics text books, organization of workshop and seminars for teachers on the use of computer simulation approach in the teaching and learning of mathematics especially in Algebra