Effectiveness of a Suggested Program Based on TRIZ Theory in Developing the mathematical Problem Solving Skills among 8th Grade in Gaza and their Attitudes towards mathematics

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a program based on theory of inventive P.S TRIZ theory in developing the skills of mathematical problem solving among eighth graders in Gaza. The researcher used the experimental approach, two-group design with a pre-posttest. The study sample which consisted of (66) students was chosen from Al-Bahrain High Elementary School for Males. The sample was distributed into two groups, one experimental consisting of (32) students who were taught using the program based on TRIZ theory and the other control consisting of (34) taught by the traditional method. The study tools included a test to measure the skills of mathematical problem solving and an attitude scale to measure students’ attitudes toward mathematics. The researcher applied the two tools on a pilot sample consisting of (35) students in order to calculate the difficulty discrimination coefficient and to ensure the reliability and validity of both the test and the attitude scale. Also, the researcher designed a program based on TRIZ theory including a teacher’s guide and worksheets. The study came up with the following results: There were statistically significant differences at (α = 0.01) between the mean scores of the experimental group students and those of their counterparts in the control group in the mathematical problem solving skills posttest in favor of the experimental group.. There were statistically significant differences at (α = 0.01) between the mean scores of the experimental group students and those of their counterparts in the control group in the posttest application of the attitude scale in favor of the experimental group.. In the light of the results, the study recommended the following: It is necessary that teachers, supervisors and students use the principles of TRIZ theory in teaching mathematics so as to achieve a number of intended scientific educational objectives which include developing the skills of the mathematical problem solving. The content of the mathematics curriculum should be reorganized so as use models of the principles of TRIZ theory. . Keywords: suggested program – TRIZ theory – skill – problem solving – attitude – eighth graders