Effectiveness of knowledge exchange technique in mathematics teaching

ABSTRACT EFFECTIVENESS OF KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE TECHNIQUE IN MATHEMATICS TEACHING Dilek TANIŞLI Anadolu University Graduate School of Educational Sciences Department of Educational Sciences Curriculum and Instruction Program July 2002 Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Mustafa SA?LAM Today, it is obligatory for individuals to have the necessary knowledge and skills and behaviors in order to continue their scientific and social activities in social life in which the scientific and technological, social, cultural and economical developments are formed. Maths classes play an important role in students acquiring those knowledge and skills in schools. Maths is a branch of science which enhances the development of behaviors such as logical thinking, to be able to make right decisions, to reach the correct conclusions, to be able to communicate effectively, to be able to make generalizations, to think creatively, which are necessary in solving various problems we face in our daily lives. However, in contrast to the increase in the importance of maths in other branches of science and in daily life, success of students in maths classes in schools in our country decrease. To increase students success in maths classes, the use of different methods and techniques are suggested that help for a more effective and permanent learning. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of knowledge exchange techique used in cooperative learning method and teacher centered teaching methods on the learning success of the students and the retention of knowledge. This experimental study was conducted with 54 students in Mustafa Kemal Primary School in 2000-2001 school year. The 54 students were divided into two groups- experimental and control group. VIThe experimental group was given instruction using knowledge exchange technique. Both the teacher and the students were informed about the effectiveness of this tecnique in math teaching. The control group continued their math education as usual where the teaching method used was teacher centered training. Both gropus were given on "Achievement Test" prepared from one of the units in seventh grade math class, as a pre-test before training and as a post-test after training. To analysis the scares received in pre and post test, SPSS ( Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) computer program was use and t-test was applied for comparing of student success level and learning performance of student in the control and experimental groups. Also, the students in the experimental group were given the "Knowledge Exchange Technique Questionnaire" after the training. An addition, the teacher was asked to write about his opinion about this tecnique. The results of the study did not show a difference in the performance of students who received instruction through knowledge exchange technique, one of the techniques used in cooperative learning method, and teacher centered learning method. On the other hand, it was found that most of the students in the experimental group and the classroom teacher had positive views about the knowledge exchange technique. vn