EFFECTIVENESS OF DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS IN PERSONALIZED LEARNING OF PRESERVICE MATHEMATICS TEACHERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ACHIEVEMENT

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of digital literacy skills training on preservice mathematics teachers' implementation of personalized learning strategies and its impact on student achievement. This study employed a quasi-experimental research design. The population of this study consists of science students from Year 1 to Year 4 at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri. The sample for this study comprised Mathematics students from Year 1 to Year 4 at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, which is 105. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the mathematics students, as they are the focus of this study. The research instruments for this study include: Digital Literacy Skills Test (DLST), to assess students' digital literacy skills, Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT), to measure students' achievement in mathematics and Personalized Learning Survey (PLS), to gather data on students' experiences with personalized learning. Two experts vetted the instruments, mathematics educator and expert from Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability co-efficient values of 0.74 and 0.79 respectively were gotten which was calculated using the Kuder – Richardson Formula 20 and Chronbach Alpha. Two groups were involved, experimental group and control group. Experimental group receives digital literacy skills training while Control group does not receive digital literacy skills training. Data was collected through DLST and MAT. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics ANOVA. The conclusion has it that digital literacy skills training has a positive impact on preservice mathematics teachers' implementation of personalized learning strategies. By investing in the teachers training and development, educators and policymakers can create learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of students and prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world.