The effect of the 6-sigma method used in science teaching on the academic success and communication skills of 6th grade students

This study aims to examine the effect of conducting the sixth grade voice and properties unit in secondary school in accordance with the Six Sigma method on the academic success and communication skills of sixth grade students and their opinions about the method. The study was designed as action research and qualitative and quantitative designs were used together. The study was conducted using a pretest-posttest model with a single group in a quantitative design. The sample of the study consists of 28 sixth grade students at the public secondary school located in the center of Kahramanmaraş. The study was completed on the subject of sound and its features, in accordance with the six sigma method, under the guidance of a 5-week plan. Quantitative data in the study consists of voice and characteristics academic achievement test, concept questions scale, communication skills scale and in-course subject measurement tools prepared in accordance with six sigma steps. Method opinion scale, diaries, focus group discussion, interviews and video recordings were used to collect qualitative data. The results obtained from all data tools were analyzed and the results were interpreted. It is seen that the applied method improves academic success positively. While opinions were received about the applied six sigma method and its steps from the method opinion scale and other scales, stating that the method had a positive impact on academic success, positive opinions emerged about the applied method. Depending on the results, suggestions were made that the study should be implemented at different branch and class levels and the feedback received should be taken into account. Keywords: 6-sigma; Academic success; Communication skills; Teacher and student opinions.