The effect of Babylonian method instruction with worksheets on achievement and retention

Mathematics is the most fundamental part of both an important scientific discipline and formal education. In all periods of compulsory education, students receive mathematics education. Most of the researches on mathematics education show that students are often forced to do mathematics. What can be done in order to be more qualified and permanent in the education given in this direction has been the subject of many research. In this study, it is aimed to determine the effect of using "Babylonian method which is one of the oldest known methods on square root, which is a special field of mathematics, on student success and permanence. A total of 32 8th grade students participated in this study, which was done by using static group comparative pattern. In the experimental group (N = 16), the square root was calculated using the Babylonian method and in the control group (N = 16) the lesson was taught using the methods included in the textbook. The mathematics test applied at the end of the teaching process was applied again after three months in order to determine the permanence. The data were analyzed with SPSS 12 program. As a result of data analysis, it was determined that female students showed higher success than male students. The discussion of the findings is included in the study. Key Words: Mathematics, Mathematics Teaching, Rooted Numbers, Babylonian Method, Academic Achievement