The effects of the method of discovery learning on primary education grade ii mathematics students' creativity

The basic purpose of this research is to examine the effects of the method ofdiscovery learning on Primary Education Grade II Mathematics students? levels of creativityand thus to introduce the applicability of this method on education. Besides within theresearch, the impact of students? gender, their socio-economic levels and pre-school educationbackgrounds on their creativity has been examined and the views of mathematics teachersassigned in primary education, teacher candidates and education members assigned inuniversities on the various categories of creative thinking skills have been obtained.Research group has been formed in 2005-2006 Education year first term from 44seven grade students attending the primary school in the provincial center of Izmir.In the research, pre-test and post-test control group pattern have been used. Theresearch has been performed on experiment and control group.Also in the research regarding the various categories of creative thinking skills;views of mathematics teachers assigned in primary education, teacher candidates andeducation members assigned in universities have been obtained with the thought that it mightsupport the purpose and the results of the research.The experimental study of the research has been performed within the Integral andRational Number Units included in the Primary Education 7 Grade Schedule. Implementationprocess continued for one term. Throughout this process method of discovery learning hasbeen applied on the experimental group by using activity papers and study sheets andtraditional learning methods have been used on the control group.Within the research as a data collecting tool ; a) Personal Information Form, b)Torrance Creative Thinking Test Verbal Forms A-B , c ) Activity Papers and Study Sheets ,and d ) Interview Form have been used..In the analysis of the quantitative inputs of the research ?t-test? has been used and inthe analysis of the qualitative inputs ?frequency?, ?percentage? and ? χ 2 tests have been used..As a consequence of the research it has been found that the method of discoverylearning in mathematics education positively affected the creativity levels of students. Besidesit is seen that the impact of students? gender, their socio-economic levels and pre-schooleducation backgrounds did not significantly affect their creativity. Also according to theviews of mathematics teachers assigned in primary education, teacher candidates andeducation members assigned in universities the following results have been found ;The individual having a different thinking skills and extraordinary thoughts,producing many thoughts and the originality of the thoughts produced are importantindications of creativity. A free and rich school environment, a student centered classenvironment, a conscious teacher, a physical and emotional environment which will motivatethe student, configurative teaching programmes and methods are very important for creativity.Creativity can improve in an environment where the individual is active and independent andfree from pressure.