Effect of Problem-Based STEM Activities on 7th Grade Students' Mathematics Achievements, Attitudes, Anxiety, Self-Efficacy and Views


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Authors

  • Yavuz MACUN
  • Cemalettin IŞIK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.1008456

Keywords:

STEM, Self-efficacy towards mathematics, 21st Century skills, Mathematics achievement, Problem-Based STEM activities and interest

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of problem-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) activities on 7th-grade students’ mathematics achievement, attitude, anxiety, self-efficacy, interest, and views. At the same time, the effects of these activities on students' anxiety, self-efficacy towards mathematics, and interest in STEM occupations were also examined. The study sample, which was selected using the convenience sampling method, consisted of 115 7th grade students of a public middle school in Turkey. In the quantitative phase of the research, a quasi-experimental research model with pre-test and post-test control group was used to determine the students’ mathematics achievement, attitudes, anxiety, self-efficacy towards mathematics and interests in STEM careers. In the qualitative phase semi-structured interview was used to understand students’ views on problem-based STEM activities and mathematics lessons in the qualitative part. Within the scope of the research, 6 different problem-based STEM activities related to ratio-proportion and percentages were applied to the experimental group students. The data collected from both groups before and after the implementation process were analyzed with descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and paired sample t-test. The results showed that problem-based STEM activities affect students’ mathematics achievement, self-efficacy, and interest in mathematics. It also helps students reducing their mathematics anxiety.

Author Biographies

Yavuz MACUN

This study was produced from Yavuz Macun's master's thesis and was funded by the Erciyes University Scientific Research Projects Unit with the project code SYL-2019-8749

Corresponding Author: Yavuz Macun, yavuzmacun@gmail.com

Yavuz MACUN
T.C. MİLLİ EĞİTİM BAKANLIĞI
0000-0003-4983-2601
Türkiye

Cemalettin IŞIK

Cemalettin IŞIK
ERCİYES ÜNİVERSİTESİ
0000-0001-6326-0043
Türkiye

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Published

30.10.2022

How to Cite

MACUN, Y., & IŞIK, C. (2022). Effect of Problem-Based STEM Activities on 7th Grade Students’ Mathematics Achievements, Attitudes, Anxiety, Self-Efficacy and Views. International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 9(1), 87–102. https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.1008456

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