Technology: Effects on Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Problem-Solving Skills

This study investigates the effects of the use of appropriate technology in math problem solving skills and as motivating factor to learning in mathematics of pre-service Mathematics teachers. A total of thirty seven pre-service teachers are instructed to solve problem-solving tests in the formof a questionnaire. The respondents in the control group are instructed to use mental or paper-and-pencil skills in solving math problems while the experimental group was then assigned a technology (calculator, computer spreadsheet and graphing calculator) to use for the duration of the test. The major results of the study showed that there is a positive effect of the use of appropriate technology in the pre-service teacher's problem solving skills and as an essential, beneficial and motivating factorto enhance pre-service teacher's problem solving skills in mathematics learning. There are no statistically significant differences between the average scores of the two groups. Both groups are equally likely to have the same problem solving skills acquired with or without technology in solving mathematical problems.