A Research on the Use of Problem Based Learning Approach: Teaching of Probability Sample

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reveal the variation in the perception of middle grade students for problem-based learning components in teaching process of probability topics and determine the attitudes of the students. The study makes use of the explanatory pattern of the mixed method, which enables using qualitative and quantitative data together. The sample of the study was composed of 32 students, selected by simple random sampling method, studying 8th grade of a middle state school in the fall semester of 2013-2014 academic terms in the province of Kars. Quantitave data of the study are tutor evaluation scale and learner’s self-evaluation scale developed by Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine (2002) and scale of mathematical gains in problem-based learning developed by Biber (2012). Qualitative data of the study are tutor evaluation form, self-evaluation form and the form of evaluation of activity process developed by Eski (2011) and the scenarios developed by researchers. The quantitative data analysis of the study makes use of friedman test, wilcoxon signed rank test, one-way analysis of variance and dependent sample t-test. Qualitative data was analysed using descriptive analysis technique. Quantitative results of the study indicate significant change in learners’ evaluation towards themselves, to the tutor and the learning process. Qualitative results showed that the learners abandoned negative thoughts toward the class and achieved learning goals.