The effect of enriched learning activities on 4th grade students success in symmetry

The main aim of this research is to investigate the effect of enriched learning activities about symmetry education on 4th grade students' achievement and perceptions about symmetry. Symmetry is about the conformity of two opposing parts with respect to similarity of form and volume of objects, shapes, and beings. Symmetry is a mathematics topic. Mathematics is a universal discipline and besides, it is crucial for other disciplines to develop and besides it benefits from them. Due to mathematics' significance, both in Turkey and in other countries it is an essential course in the instructional process. Lesson plans covering symmetry topic appropriate to enriched learning were prepared. These lesson plans included mangala game, chess, drama activities, rhythmic activities, computer assisted activities, rope printing, origami, various materials, etc. Mixed method design (quantitative + qualitative methods) was used in this study. An achievement test was developed according to objectives related with symmetry in Ministry of National Education mathematics curriculum. Achievement test was applied to both experiment and control groups (30+25) before application of lesson plans in experiment group and before normal education process in control group and after these processes. A semi-structured interview form was developed and students in both experiment and control groups were interviewed before and after application of these processes. The interviews were done to get their perceptions about symmetry topic. Retention test was used to investigate their learning retention. Then, data gathered were analyzed. Findings indicated that enriched learning activities were statistically significant effect on both achievement and perceptions regarding symmetry topic and had positive effect on retention of learning. Therefore, it could be suggested that both practitioners and researchers could use enriched learning activities in their mathematical instructional processes, seminar or workshops about enriched learning activities could be organized for teachers, principals, and parents.