Art in the middle school mathematics classroom : a case study exploring its effect on motivation
Author(s)
Advisor
Sands, Margaret K.Date
2013Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
261
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Abstract
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore and understand how the use
of art-based mathematical activities affected motivation of grade 7 mathematics
students in Turkey. Activities were used in one lesson a week for six weeks. Pre- and
post-surveys measured students’ enjoyment, self-efficacy, and academic effort. Data
were collected during the intervention period through focus group discussions. The
discussions and survey results highlighted the key informants for interviewing. The
statistical analysis indicates that using such activities in the classroom gives rise to
no significant change, positive or negative, on the three constraints: enjoyment, selfefficacy
and academic effort. However, group discussions and interviews of the key
informants suggest that some students were affected by the intervention. Students
with analytical aptitudes experienced a decrease in motivation; those who liked art
were inspired and motivated. Integration of mathematics and art allowed students to
view mathematics from a wider perspective than before the intervention.