The effect of using Minitab program on the achievement of the ninth grade students in statistics unit and their motivation towards its learning in Nablus schools

The study aimed at investigating the effect of using Minitab program on ninth grade students in statistics unit and their motivation towards its learning in Nablus schools. The researcher tried to answer this question: What is the effect of using Minitab program on student's achievement in statistics unit and their motivation towards its learning of ninth grade in Nablus Schools? To answer the study question and its hypotheses, the researcher applied a quasi experiment approach and the qualitative approach on a sample of (68) ninth graders studying at Abd Al-Rahem Jardaneh basic school for boys during the first semester 2015-2016. The sample was divided into two groups; one is control, the other is experimental. The two groups studied the statistics unit in mathematics textbook; the experimental group was taught using Minitab program, while the control group was taught using a traditional way of teaching. - A post-test that measured the achievement of the students after having finished the studying the statistics unit. The validity and reliability of the test were calculated, and the value of reliability was(0.832). - A scale of motivation towards statistics learning in the pre and post phases of using Minitab program. The validity and reliability of the test were calculated, and the value of reliability was (0.852). - To test the hypothesis, the data were analyzed by using One-way analysis of variance ANCOVA, and by using person correlation to examine the relation between achievement and motivation. The result of the study was. 1. There was a significant statistical difference at (α=0.05) between the mean of the ninth students who used Minitab program to learn the statistics unit and the mean of the ninth students who used traditional method based on the achievement of the post-test. The results were in favor of the treatment group. 2. There was a significant statistical difference at (α=0.05) between the mean of motivation of the ninth grade student who used Minitab program to learn the statistics unit and the mean of the ninth students who used traditional way. The results were in favor of the treatment group. 3. There was a significant relation at (α=0.05) between the ninth grade students' achievement and their motivation to learn statistics. It was appositive relation. The more the motivation to learn statistics is increased, The more the achievement will be increased also. On the basis of the results, the researcher recommended to involve the statistical program Minitab in teaching statistics units for all levels. Another recommendation to train teachers and educational supervisors to practical courses about the use of the Minitab program, and how to use it. That, They perceive its importance to teach students statistics. The study proved that the program supported the statistics curriculum and it was a good method to support its teaching strategies.