The effect of using peer instruction method for the 4th grade simple electric circuit unit on the achievement and attitude of the students

This research evaluates the effect of using peer instruction method in 4th grade science course on students' achievement and attitudes. This study has been performed at 2015-2016 academic year with 28 students, in 6 weeks, 18 lesson hours in Aşağı Küpkıran Primary school in Ağrı. In this research, quantitative and qualitative research approaches have been used together. It has been used Science Achievement Test and Science Attitude Scale to collect quantitative data, Peer Instruction Interview Form to collect qualitative data. Achievement test has been prepared by the researcher and attitude scale was used as ready. Achievement and attitude tests have been applied twice as pre-post experiment. Semi-instructured interview form has been used to collect qualitative data. In the analyses of quantitative data, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, dependent groups t test and independent groups t test have been used in research. Interview records were coded according to the specified categories and resolved by calculating frequency and percentages. Data have been analyzed with various statistical programs. In the analysis, the level of significance accepted as p < ,05. In the result of research, although there was a significant improvement in the academic achievement of the students in the study group, no significant difference was observed in their attitudes towards science lesson. It has been discovered there was no significant difference between students' gender and academic achievement but there was a significant difference between students' gender and attitudes towards to the science lesson. Besides, after the implementation there was a significant difference between the students who benefit from the peer instruction method with peer educators. Through peer instruction method, the success of students has been enhanced by peer instruction method. Students reported that they were more interested in science; their self-esteem has increased and communicates comfortably. According to the results, some suggestions were made to researchers working in this area. Keywords: Peer Instruction Method, Academic Success, Attitude, 4th Grade Science Lesson, Simple Electric Circuit Unit.