problem-solving skill

This study aimed to examine the effect of educational software on 3rd-grade elementary-school students’ mathematical problem-solving skill. This was a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, controlled study. The statistical population comprised all 3rd-grade elementary-school male students in District 4 of Karaj (Iran) in the academic year 2018-2019. A sample was selected via convenience sampling, and the participants were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (20 each). On pretest, two tests of “numerical analysis” and “attention and concentration” (Wechsler test) and a researcher-made problem-solving skill test were administered. Then, the experimental group received eight 40-minute sessions of software training, while the control group received the class’s routine education. Finally, both groups took the posttest. The data were analyzed via univariate analysis of covariance and independent samples t-test. After the experimental intervention, the two groups demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.001) at three levels of “problem-solving speed”, “attention and concentration”, and “numerical analysis”. The two groups also showed a significant difference at the level of “problem-solving strategy identification” (p < 0.05). Accordingly, the role of educational media, and especially educational software, can be highlighted in promoting students’ learning and mathematical problem-solving skill.

This study is investigated the effectiveness of science education with STEM approach, in a combined (face-to-face and virtual) method, on problem solving skill of the students of the middle school in the topic of energy. This research is a semi-experimental and pre-test-post-test type with the control group. The statistical population is all the 7th-grade male students from middle school in Tabadakan region, Mashhad 2021-2022. From this statistical population, 70 students were selected by the convenience sampling who were in two classes. One of the classes was randomly selected as the experimental group and the other as the control group. The control group received training through the traditional approach, whereas the experimental group underwent training using the STEM method. The research tool was Hepner and Patterson's (1988) standard problem solving skill questionnaire. In order to develop lesson plan with STEM approach, the proposed standard framework (STE(A)M IN INTEGRATED LEARNING SCENARIO) was used. Data from questionnaires was analyzed using SPSS, with statistical indicators calculated and normality. Also, hypotheses investigated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and covariance analysis. The significant values obtained for problem-solving skill (0.033) and its subscales, including Confidence (0.022), Approach-Avoidance style (0.046) and Personal Control (0.025), indicated that the STEM approach was helpful in improving learners' learning and strengthening their problem-solving skill. Also, this study showed that students generally have difficulty learning scientific concepts and problem solving skills, but hybrid approaches such as STEM can improve educational processes and learner performance in developing countries such as Iran. Therefore, the role of STEM approach in education becomes highlighted.