The effect of problem-based learning method used for teaching acids and bases on different variables and students? views on the method

The main purpose of this study is to determine the effect of problem based on learning the science students? academic success related to Acids and Bases, attitudes to chemical courses and problem based learning method, problem-solving skills.and logical thinking abilities. Another purpose of the study is to determine the students? views on the problembased learning method. The sample of this study is 82 science students studying at two different classes (A and B) in Gazi University, Faculty of Education, and Department of Elementary Science Education Degree Program. Explanatory design of the mixed method was used in this study. The research was carried out in accordance with the curriculum of General Chemistry-II course taught in the spring semester of 2011-2012 academic year. The subject of Acids and Bases was processed with problem-based learning method in the experimental group. On the other hand, Acids and Bases was processed with traditional learning method in the control group. The application process of the study took 36 hours, a total of 9 weeks. The quantitative data were obtained from the "Logical Thinking Ability Test" ?Acid-Base Academic Success Test", "Chemistry Lesson Attitude Scale", "Problem-Based Learning Method of Attitude Scale", "Problem Solving Inventory" as applied to the pretest and posttest. Qualitative data were obtained from semi-structured interviews made with four preservice science teachers. Independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test, one-factor analysis of variance were used to analyze the quantitative data. Content analyses were used to analyze the qualitative data. In this context, quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS 11.5 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) programme and interpreted in accordance with the sub-problems of the research. Content analysis was applied for qualitative data by using viiNvivo-9.2 programme. Findings were interpreted in accordance with the interview questions. Problem-based learning method is more efficient than the method of traditional learning method in order to increase students' success, attitudes towards problem-solving skills and logical thinking abilities to develop chemistry. It has been concluded that variable of gender is not effective on the science students? achievement, attitude, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it has been concluded that educational status of the father as a variable has a positive effect on the science students' achievement and problem-solving skills but has not any effect on their attitudes towards chemistry and logical thinking abilities. It can be said that students? views on the problem-based learning method is positive. It is thought that this study will be guide for new studies and shed light on the future professional lives of the students. Key Words: Problem Based Learning, Traditional Method, Acid and Base, Academic Success, Attitude, Problem Solving Skill, Logical Thinking Ability