The effect of constructivist learning environment on the academic achievement and van Hiele Geometry Thinking Level of elementary school teaching department students in basic mathematics course

Abstract

This study was done to find out the effect of the geometry teaching based on constructivist approach on geometric achievement and Van Hiele geometric thinking levels of elementary school teaching department students. The research was designed according to quasiexperimental research design with a pre-test and post-test control group. The population of the study consisted of students at Çukurova University, Faculty of Education; the sample of the study consisted of 70 first grade students at the elementary school teaching department of the same faculty. "Geometry Achievement Test", "Van Hiele Geometry Thinking Test" and "Portfolio" were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and independent groups' t test. It was concluded that there was not any statistical difference between the academic achievements of experimental group and control group; however, there was a significant difference in favour of the experimental group in terms of Van Hiele geometry thinking levels.