The impact of Plickers-supported formative assessment on achievement and learning experiences in grade 11 advanced mathematics trigonometry
Eric Machisi 1 * , Anas Mahmoud Ahmad Alrababah 1 , Fabian Hennig 2 *
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1 Department of Mathematics, Fujairah Boys’ School (Cycle 3), Fujairah, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES2 Institute of Physics Education, Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, GERMANY* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Plickers-supported formative assessment on grade 11 advanced mathematics students’ achievement and learning experiences in trigonometry. Addressing persistent challenges in conceptual understanding and procedural accuracy in trigonometry, the study used a quasi-experimental pre-/post-test design with two intact classes (n = 42) from a government secondary school in the United Arab Emirates. The experimental group received trigonometry instruction integrated with Plickers, whereas the control group was taught using traditional methods. Quantitative data were collected using a weighted multiple-choice trigonometry achievement test with established content validity and acceptable internal consistency. Qualitative data were gathered through an open-ended student questionnaire and analyzed thematically to capture learners’ experiences. Quantitative results showed that students in the Plickers group significantly outperformed peers in the control group on the post-test, with a large effect size, even after controlling pre-test performance. Qualitative results indicated that students perceived Plickers as enhancing engagement, participation, immediate feedback, confidence, and psychological safety, particularly through anonymous whole-class responses and rapid error identification. Some students noted pacing challenges, underscoring the importance of instructional calibration. The findings suggest that Plickers, when embedded within a coherent formative assessment cycle, can meaningfully enhance both cognitive and affective learning outcomes in advanced trigonometry. The study recommends the strategic integration of low-threshold response systems to support diagnostic feedback, equitable participation, and instructional responsiveness in upper-secondary mathematics classrooms.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, Volume 22, Issue 7, July 2026, Article No: em2859

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/18761

Publication date: 15 Jun 2026

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