The effect of the using drama method in primary school science and technology courses on student attitude and motivation

Abstract

The present study aims at determining the effect of using the drama method in science and technology courses in the elementary schools on students' attitudes and motivation. The pretest-posttest non-equivalent model, which is one of "the semi experimental designs", was used in this study. The study in the experimental group (N=18) was conducted with a science and technology program, the systems in our body chapter, of the science and technology course and supported with the drama method. The control group (N=18) was conducted with the science and technology program only. The study continued 22 lesson hours during unit of the systems in our body. The data gathering tool in the study was the motivation scale towards learning science (Alpha=.80) and science attitude scale (Alpha=.83). In the study non-parametric analyzes method is used for data analyzing. When findings were examined, it was seen that there was a significant difference in favor of the experimental group between the attitude and motivation posttest scores of the control group and the scores of the experimental group. In this respect, it can be said that the drama method is more effective than the available science and technology instructional program in increasing students' attitude and motivation. Some suggestions were given based on these findings.