Journal of the Indonesian Mathematics Education Society
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): Journal of the Indonesian Mathematics Education Society (October, 2026)

Integrating Ghanaian Ethnomathematical Practices into the Teaching of Trigonometry in Senior High Schools

Prince Kusi (University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development)
Ebenezer Bonyah (University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development)
Ernest Larbi (University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study explored how Ghanaian ethnomathematical practices can be integrated into the teaching of trigonometry in Senior High Schools (SHSs), focusing on instructional strategies, teachers’ perspectives, and the challenges associated with implementation. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 70 mathematics teachers using structured questionnaires and analysed using one-sample t-tests and effect sizes. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with four purposively selected teachers and analysed thematically, and the two strands were merged in a joint display during interpretation. The findings revealed strong teacher support for ethnomathematical integration, with teachers reporting that local examples, cultural symbols, collaborative activities, local languages, and indigenous tools enhanced students’ understanding, participation, motivation, and confidence (overall M = 4.14, d = 1.46). Despite these benefits, challenges including inadequate professional development (d = 0.83), limited instructional materials (d = 0.80), insufficient time, and weak institutional support hindered implementation (overall M = 3.64, d = 0.48). The integrated analysis showed that the barriers teachers rated most highly were the same structural gaps they elaborated in interview, while learner comprehension was not a significant barrier. The study recommends structured professional development, curriculum support, and the development of culturally relevant instructional resources for effective ethnomathematical teaching in Ghanaian SHSs.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jimes

Publisher

Subject

Education Mathematics Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of the Indonesian Mathematics Education Society (JIMES) is a peer-reviewed open-access journal that publishes research and development articles in mathematics education. All submissions are reviewed through a double-blind process to ensure publication quality. JIMES is a periodical ...