The effect of the realistic mathematic education (RME) approach on visual math literacy self efficacy perceptions and problem solving achievement of 4th grade students

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RME based instruction in the elementary mathematics curriculum of the fourth grade on the mathematics achievement, visual mathematics literacy self efficiacy perceptions and mathematics problem solving attitude. The study was determined as a quasi-experimental study which conducted as a pre-post test design with a control group. The quantitative data were supported with qualitative data gathered from interviews with participants. The research was conducted with 147 students (66 female, 81 male) at fourth grade of a public elementary school in Adana. The quantitative data were obtained with mathematics achievement tests developed by the researchers, Visual Mathematics Literacy Self-efficiacy Perceptions Scale and Mathematics Problem Solving Attitude Scale. These instruments were applied as pretests and posttests. In the study, one experimental (23 female, 31 male) and two control group (43 female, 50 male) were constituted with random assignment method. 'Geometric Shapes' unit was instructed with RME at the experimental group while the current instructional method was conducted to the control groups. The implication process lasted eight weeks. After the implication procedures, all students at the experimental group were asked so as to answer seven questions at structured interview form developed by the researchers. Retention tests were repeated to all groups after two months than experimental application. Finally, the quantitative data was evaluated by using mixed ANOVA and t-Test methods, whereas content analysis method was performed in qualitative data. As a result, it was found that the students at the experimantal group have more successful in mathematic achievement tests and more progress on visual mathematics literacy self efficacy perceptions and mathematics problem solving attitude than that of the students at the control group. In the future studies, a new mathematics program and a manuel that includes sample activities in different issues should be prepared. Inservice and preservice teachers should be trained in accordance with the manual. Keywords: Realistic Mathematics Education, visual mathematic literacy, mathematics problem solving, mathematics achievement.