The Impact of Introducing Scientific Calculators to Junior High School Graduates on Their Academic Performance in Mathematics

Scientific calculators are commonly and widely used tools in senior high schools, offering students the ability to perform mathematical calculations faster and more efficiently. This study aimed to investigate the Impact of Scientific Calculators usage on Junior High School graduates Performance in Mathematics. The study was purely quantitative hence data was collected through survey questionnaires and a mathematics achievement test. The study's accessible population size and sample size consisted of 280 and 162 respectively. The sample of 162 students was selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, a simple linear regression model, and a paired sample t-test. The study found a significant difference in students' test scores before and after the use of scientific calculators, t (162) = 17.199, p < .001, leading to a rejection of the null hypothesis. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between calculator usage and students' achievement test scores, F (162) = 24.614; p < .001. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the Ghana Education Service consider allowing and granting permission to schools to incorporate the use of scientific calculators into the teaching and learning of mathematics at the junior high level. This would enhance students' mathematics learning and academic performance. Furthermore, teachers at the senior high school level should introduce enrolled junior high school graduates in Form One to the proper and efficient use of scientific calculators. Students should be taught how to use calculators to solve simple mathematical questions, which would facilitate effective teaching and learning of mathematics