Journal Article

An Assessment of the Effectiveness of a Training Programme in Enhancing Students Ability in Mental Mathematics

Barham, Areej I

2008

Overview

The study aims at assessing the effectiveness of applying a training programme for teaching mental strategies in promoting students ability in doing mental mathematics. The study sample consists of (166) sixth grade students and included four male and female teachers. Teachers in the experimental group were trained for teaching mental strategies in their classes during the implementation of the experiment, while the other two teachers had been asked to keep using their usual traditional teaching strategies. Quantitative and qualitative methodology was conducted. Pre-post mental ability test was used to assess student initial ability and their progression in doing mental operations during the experiment. Moreover, semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers and with a sample of students involved in the experiment. Results show statistical significant differences related to the effect of teaching method and gender as a whole. Results also show statistically significant differences in students mental ability test before and after the experiment in favor of the two experimental female and male groups, and in favor of male students in the control group. This interrelationship and differences have been discussed and explained by analyzing the qualitative data. The effect of teaching students mental mathematical operations in the experimental group has a positive effect in allowing students to practice mental activities in an interesting atmosphere, and give them a chance to challenge the problems and participate in the classroom. Moreover, learning different strategies help them do mathematics faster and save time.

• Publisher: جامعة الكويت - مجلس النشر العلمي
• Subject: الاستراتيجيات الذهنية / الرياضيات الذهنية / تدريس الرياضيات / طرق التدريس