A Proposed Program Based on the STEM Approach for Teaching Mathematics and Its Impact on Developing Mathematical Connections and Productive Thinking Skills among Eighth Grade Students

Abstract

The research aimed to propose a program based on the STEM approach in mathematics teaching and study its impact on developing mathematical connections and productive thinking skills among eighth grade students. To achieve this aim; experimental (one-group design) approach was used. The researcher prepared the proposed program based on the STEM approach for teaching mathematics. Two tests were also prepared to assess Mathematical Connections and productive thinking skills. The study sample consisted of (33) Eighth grade students from Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz school in Jazan educational region; They were chosen randomly. Pre- Mathematical Connections and productive thinking skills tests were applied for the group. Then the students studied the “Geometry and spatial inference” unit using the proposed program based on the STEM approach, The research experiment was carried out over (22) classes. Subsequently, post- Mathematical Connections and productive thinking skills tests were applied for the group. The results of the research revealed that there were statistically significant differences at the level (0.01) between the mean score of the research group in the pre and post tests on the application of mathematical connections and productive thinking skills in favor of the post application test. The results also showed the large positive effect of the proposed program based on the STEM approach on the development of mathematical connections and productive thinking skills among the students of the research group.