Art in the middle school mathematics classroom : a case study exploring its effect on motivation

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.