Improving Mathematical Reasoning and Mathematics Attitude of Disadvantaged Children in Rural Regions

Year 2019, Volume: 7 Issue: 14, 673 - 697, 29.10.2019

Emrullah Erdem , Tahsin Fırat , Ramazan Gürbüz

https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.628742

Cited By: 3

Abstract

This
study aims at examining the effects of an enriched learning environment on
improving Mathematical Reasoning (MR) and Mathematics Attitude (MA) of
disadvantaged children (11-and 12-year-olds). The participants were 5^th
graders (N = 17) and 6^th graders (N = 18) who were studying in a
rural school in a province of Turkey. The data were obtained via Mathematical
Reasoning Test (MRT), Mathematics Attitude Scale (MAS), and groups
argumentation. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to reveal the pre/post-test differences. Statistical
comparisons of the MR and MA were also made by using the tests’ mean scores.
There is evidence from the environment that the MR of both groups was
significantly developed but grade/age did not have a significant effect
on MR. The study found that the MA of both groups improved after the
intervention, but these improvements were not statistically significant. No
significant effect was determined regarding age on the improvement of MA. This
research has shown that the MR and MA of children of such disadvantaged rural
regions can improve when rich learning environments are designed.

Keywords

Design of learning environment, mathematical reasoning, mathematics attitude, 5th and 6th-graders, schools in rural regions

Supporting Institution

Adıyaman University

Project Number

EFMAP/2017-0001

Thanks

Adıyaman University Scientific Research Project Department

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