The effects of mathematics associated with different disciplines on gifted students in the orienteering context

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of mathematical activities associated with different disciplines on gifted students in the context of orienteering. A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test control group was used in quantitative research. The sample of the study consists of 37 Support-2 students in a Science and Arts Center in the 2023-2024 academic year. "Spatial Visualization" and "Spatial Thinking" tests and "Mathematical Problem Solving Attitude", Mathematical Connections Self-Efficacy" and "Reflective Thinking Skills for Problem Solving" scales were used in the study. Wilxocon Signed Ranks Test and Mann Whitney-U Test were used in the study. According to the findings of the study, while there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the spatial visualization and spatial thinking skills test of both groups, it was seen that there was no significant difference in terms of mathematical problem solving attitude, mathematical connection self-efficacy and reflective thinking skill scores for problem solving. On the other hand, it was seen that the reflective thinking skill scores for problem solving obtained by the experimental group and the control group in the post-test were significantly different from each other in favor of the experimental group. Accordingly, it can be said that the application made a positive contribution to the students' spatial visualization, spatial thinking and reflective thinking skills for problem solving, while it had no effect on their mathematical problem solving attitudes and mathematical connection self-efficacy. It was concluded that the students' spatial visualization, spatial thinking and reflective thinking skills for problem solving, their mathematical problem solving attitudes and mathematical connection self-efficacy did not differ according to their grade levels.