The effect of problem posing-based active learning activities on problem-solving and posing performance: The case of fractions
Hatice Polat 1, Merve Özkaya 1 *
More Detail
1 Atatürk University, Kazım Karabekir Faculty of Education, Erzurum, Türkiye
* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of problem posing-based active learning activities on students' problem-posing skills and problem-solving achievement. To this aim, an experimental design with pre-test post-test control group was employed. The participants consisted of two groups of sixth graders, one experimental group (N=23) and one control group (N=25). Students in the experimental group were exposed to seven problem-based active learning activities over the course of six weeks. The study used problem-solving and problem-posing tests to collect data. The results revealed that eventhough the intervention was not statistically significant, the increase in the problem-solving mean score of the experimental groups was higher than that of the control group. Problem posing pre- and post-test scores of the experimental group differed statistically significantly with a high level of effect size (η2=0.80 ). Finally, educational implications are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research.

Keywords

References

  • Abu-Elwan, R. (2002). Effectiveness of problem posing strategies on prospective mathematics teachers’ problem solving performance. Journal of Science and Mathematics Education in S.E. Asia, 25(1), 56-69.
  • Angelini, M., Prescott, A., Schuck, S., Rai, T., Lee, C., & Coupland, M. (2018, January). “Maths Inside”: A Project to Raise Interest in Mathematics. In Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia, 40th Annual Conference. MERGA: Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia.
  • Bédard, D., Lison, C., Dalle, D., Côté, D., & Boutin, N. (2012). Problem-based and project-based learning in engineering and medicine: Determinants of students’ engagement and persistance. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 6(2), 8. https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1355
  • Bilgin, T., & Acar, C. (2007). The generalization of using active learning methods in teaching mathematics at junior high school level. Journal of Sakarya University Faculty of Education, 14, 115-130.
  • Brown, G., & Quinn, R. J. (2006). Algebra students' difficulty with fractions. Australian Mathematics Teacher, 62(4), 28–40.
  • Büyüköztürk, Ş. (2013). Sosyal bilimler için veri analizi el kitabı [Manual of data analysis for social sciences]. Pegem Akademi.
  • Cankoy, O. (2014). Interlocked problem posing and children’s problem posing performance in free structured situations. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 12(1), 219–238.
  • Cankoy, O., & Darbaz, S. (2010). Effect of a problem posing based problem solving instruction on understanding problem. Hacettepe University Journal of Education, 38, 11-24.
  • Chen, L., Dooren, W. V., & Verschaffel, L. (2015). Enhancing the development of Chinese fifth-graders’ problem-posing and problem-solving abilities, beliefs, and attitudes: a design experiment. In F. M. Singer, N. F. Ellerton & J. Cai (Eds.), Mathematical problem posing: from research to effective practice (pp. 309–329). Springer.
  • Christou, C., Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., Pitta-Pantazi, D., & Sriraman, B. (2005). An empirical taxonomy of problem posing processes. ZDM, 37(3), 149–158. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-005-0004-6
  • De Boeck, P., & Wilson, M. (Eds.). (2004). Explanatory item response models: A generalized linear and nonlinear approach. Springer.
  • Duan, N., Bhaumik, D. K., Palinkas, L. A., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Optimal design and purposeful sampling: Complementary methodologies for implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 524-532. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-014-0596-7
  • Ellerton, N. F. (2013). Engaging pre-service middle-school teacher-education students in mathematical problem posing: development of an active learning framework. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 83(1), 87-101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-012-9449-z
  • English, L. D. (1997). The development of fifth-grade children’s problem-posing abilities. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 34(3), 183-217. http://doi.org/10.1023/A:1002963618035
  • Gonzales, N. A. (1994). Problem posing: A neglected component in mathematics courses for prospective elementary and middle school teachers. School Science and Mathematics, 94(2), 78-84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1949-8594.1994.tb12295.x
  • Hansen, N., Jordan, N. C., & Rodrigues, J. (2017). Identifying learning difficulties with fractions: A longitudinal study of student growth from third through sixth grade. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 50, 45-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2015.11.002
  • Işık, C. (2011). Conceptual analysis of multiplication and division problems infractions posed by preservice elementary mathematics teachers. Hacettepe University Journal of Education, 41, 231-243.
  • Işık, C., & Kar, T. (2012). An error analysis in division problems in fractions posed by pre-service elementary mathematics teachers. Educational Sciences in Theory and Practice, 12(3), 2289-2309.
  • Işık, C., & Kar, T. (2015). The analysis of the problems posed by the sixth grade students for open-ended verbal story about fractions. Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education, 6(2), 230-249.
  • Kar, T. (2015). Analysis of problems posed by sixth-grade middle school students for the addition of fractions in terms of semantic structures. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 46(6), 879-894. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2015.1021394
  • Kar, T., & Işık, C. (2014). Analyzing problems posed by seventh grade middle school students for subtraction operation with fractions. Elementary Education Online, 13(4), 1223-1239.
  • Karaaslan, K. G. (2018). Investigation of students' algebra learning and problem posing skills in a mathematics classroom supported by problem posing approach (Publication No. 516120) [Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Hacettepe University, Ankara]. National Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education.
  • Karaoglan Yilmaz, F. G., Özdemir, B. G., & Yasar, Z. (2018). Using digital stories to reduce misconceptions and mistakes about fractions: an action study. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 49(6), 867-898. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2017.1418919
  • Katrancı, Y. (2014). The effect of problem posing studies on mathematical understanding and problem solving achievement in cooperative learning environments (Publication No. 372290) [Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Marmara University-İstanbul]. National Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education.
  • Kopparla, M., Bicer, A., Vela, K., Lee, Y., Bevan, D., Kwon, H., ... Capraro, R. M. (2019). The effects of problem-posing intervention types on elementary students’ problem-solving. Educational Studies, 45(6), 708–725. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2018.1509785
  • Kyriacou, C. (1992). Active learning in secondary school mathematics. British Educational Research Journal, 18(3), 309-318. https://doi.org/10.1080/0141192920180308
  • Landis, J. R., & Koch, G. G. (1977). The measurement of observer agreement for categorical data. Biometrics, 33(1), 159–174. https://doi.org/10.2307/2529310
  • Lavy, I. (2015). Problem-posing activities in a dynamic geometry environment: When and how. In F. M. Singer, N. F. Ellerton, & J. Cai (Eds.), Mathematical problem posing. From research to effective practice (pp. 393–410). Springer.
  • Lowrie, T. (2002). Designing a framework for problem posing: Young children generating open-ended tasks. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 3(3), 354-364. https://doi.org/10.2304/ciec.2002.3.3.4
  • Miller, C. J., Smith, S. N., & Pugatch, M. (2020). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs in implementation research. Psychiatry Research, 283, 112452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2019.06.027
  • Ministry of National Education [MoNE]. (2018). Matematik dersi öğretim program (İlkokul ve ortaokul 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ve 8. sınıflar) [Mathematics curriculum -Primary and secondary school grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8]. Author.
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics [NCTM]. (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics. Author.
  • Nicolaou, A. A., & Philippou, G. N. (2007). Efficacy beliefs, problem posing, and mathematics achievement. Focus on Learning Problems in Mathematics, 29(4), 48-70.
  • Örnek, T. (2020). The assessment of problem posing learning model designed for the development of problem posing skill (Publication No. 624464) [Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Atatürk University, Erzurum]. National Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education.
  • Örnek, T., & Soylu, Y. (2021). A model design to be used in teaching problem posing to develop problem-posing skills. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 41, 100905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100905
  • Özgen, K., Aparı, B., & Zengin, Y. (2019). Problem posing based learning approaches of eighth grade students: ımplementation of active learning framework supported by GeoGebra. Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education,10(2), 501-538. https://doi.org/10.16949/turkbilmat.471760
  • Polya, G. (1957). How to solve it: A new aspect of mathematical method . Princeton University Press.
  • Rotgans, J. I., & Schmidt, H. G. (2011). Situational interest and academic achievement in the active-learning classroom. Learning and Instruction, 21(1), 58-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2009.11.001
  • Şahin, Ö., Gökkurt, B., & Soylu, Y. (2016). Examining prospective mathematics teachers' pedagogical content knowledge on fractions in terms of students' mistakes. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 47(4), 531-551. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2015.1092178
  • Sarıer, Y. (2020). The effect of active teaching methods, on mathematics achievement: A meta-analysis study. Abant İzzet Baysal University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 20(1), 115-132. https://doi.org/10.17240/aibuefd.2020.20.52925-526900
  • Silver, E. A. (1994). On mathematical problem posing. For the Learning of Mathematics, 14(1), 19-28.
  • Silver, E. A. (2013). Problem-posing research in mathematics education: Looking back, looking around, and looking ahead. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 83(1), 157–162. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-013-9477-3
  • Stoyanova, E., & Ellerton, N. F. (1996). A framework for research into students’ problem posing in school mathematics. In P. Clarkson (Ed.), Technology in mathematics education (pp. 518–525). Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia.
  • Tekin, H. (2008). Eğitimde ölçme ve değerlendirme [Measurement and evaluation in education]. Yargı.
  • Terzi, A. (2021). The effect of active learning framework-based teaching on the development of problem solving and posing performance of 6th grade students (Publication No. 690752) [Unpublished master’s thesis, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize]. National Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education.
  • Toluk-Uçar, Z. (2009). Developing pre-service teachers understanding of fractions through problem posing, Teaching and Teacher Education, 25, 166–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2008.08.003
  • Turhan, B. (2011). Examination of effects of mathematics teaching with problem posing approach on sixth grade students' problem solving success, problem posing abilities and views towards mathematics (Publication No. 296603) [Unpublished master’s thesis, Anadolu University, Eskişehir]. National Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education.
  • Turhan, B., & Güven, M. (2014). The effect of mathematics instruction with problem posing approach on problem solving success, problem posing ability and views towards mathematics. Journal of Çukurova University Faculty of Education, 43(2), 217-234.
  • van de Walle, J. A., Karp, K. S., & Bay-Williams, J. M. (2013). Elementary and middle school mathematics: Teaching developmentally. Pearson.

License

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.