The effect of dynamic geometry use together with open-ended explorations in sixth grade students' performances in polygons and similarity and congruency of polygons

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Tezin Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Eğitim Fakültesi, Matematik ve Fen Bilimleri Eğitimi Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2007

Öğrenci: ARZU AYDOĞAN

Danışman: AYHAN KÜRŞAT ERBAŞ

Özet:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using a dynamic geometry environment together with open-ended explorations on sixth grade students’ performance in polygons and congruency and similarity of polygons. Two groups of sixth grade students were selected for this study: (1) An experimental group composed of 66 students whom 34 were boys and 32 were girls; and (2) a control group composed of 68 students whom 35 were boys and 33 were girls. While the students in the control group received instruction via traditional methods, the students in the experimental group studied the same topics by open-ended explorations in a dynamic geometry environment. Geometry Test (GT) and Computer Attitude Scale (CAS) were used as data collection instruments. All students had taken the GT as pre-test, post-test, and delayed post test. However, CAS was administered only to the experimental group at the end of the instruction. Furthermore, some qualitative data were collected through video-taped classroom observations and interviews with selected students. Pre-test scores showed no statistical difference between control and experimental group students in terms of their performances in polygons and congruency and similarity of polygons before the study. On the other hand, the results of the post and delayed-post tests which are analyzed by independent t test showed that experimental group achieved significantly better than the control group students. In addition, a statistically significant correlation between CAS and GT was observed. Those results were also supported by the qualitative data. In conclusion, the results indicated that dynamic geometry environment together with open-ended explorations significantly improved students’ performances in polygons and congruency and similarity of polygons.