Reginald Ugochukwu Orlu (Ph.D) & Charity Geo-Wosu (Phd)
Influence of Mobile Learning Applications On Students’ Problem-Solving Competence in Mathematics in Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the influence of mobile learning applications on students’ problem-solving competence in mathematics in
public secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design complemented with a descriptive survey
approach was adopted. The sample consisted of 240 Junior Secondary School II students drawn from eight public secondary
schools. Three researcher-developed instruments were used for data collection: The Mobile Learning Application Usage
Questionnaire (MLAUQ), the Mathematics Problem-Solving Competence Test (MPSCT), and the Students’ Engagement Scale
(SES). Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Results
revealed that students taught with mobile learning applications achieved significantly higher problem-solving competence
scores than those taught using the conventional method. The study also found a high level of engagement among students
exposed to mobile learning applications. The findings underscore the pedagogical value of integrating mobile learning
applications into mathematics instruction. It was recommended that teachers, curriculum planners, and policymakers promote
structured use of mobile learning applications in Nigerian secondary schools.
