Recalling Story Problem Solving Methods and the Attitude towards Mathematics of Secondary Students Using Brain-Based Learning Strategies

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using brain - based learning strategies on students’ ability to recall story problem solving methods, and on their attitude towards mathematics. A sample of 72 Grade 7 students was drawn from a school in Chon Buri, Thailand, and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The control group received conventional instruction, while in the experimental groups brain - based learning strategies were employed (creating mental linkage, andmotivation by reward). Tests were developed to assess a student’s ability to recall story problem solving methods, and to measure mathematics attitude. A posttest only control group design was used, with results analyzed via the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) procedure. It was found that the experimental groups, using brain - based learning strategies, were more capable of recalling story problem solving methods (p< 0.5), but there was no difference between the groups on mathematics attitude.