The Effectiveness of Desuggestopedia Teaching Method based on Two Hemispheres of the Brain on High School Students’ Mathematical Attitude and Anxiety (a Single Subject Study)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of desuggestopedia teaching method based on two hemispheres of the brain on the mathematical attitude and anxiety of first high school students (a single subject study).

The present study was an experimental study with a single subject design. From the population of eighth grade female students in Mashhad, two students were selected using purposive sampling method. These two subjects, respectively, received 4 and 7 sessions of traditional teaching and completed the mathematical attitude and anxiety scales after each session of education. The data were then used to determine the baselines for each subject. After determining the baselines of each student, rhythmic breathing along with math training was presented to the subjects and music and relaxation were also used. The two subjects were trained in this way for 6 and 3 sessions, respectively. At the end of each session, the subjects were asked to complete the study measures. Moreover, in order to follow up the effects of the intervention, about one month after the completion of training, the subject answered again the scales of mathematical attitude and anxiety.

According to the results, the desuggestopedia teaching method based on two hemispheres of the brain was effective in increasing the scores of attitude towards mathematics (with delta indices equal to 48/68 and 3/11, respectively for two subjects) and decreasing the scores of mathematical anxiety (with delta indices equal to 2/18 and 2, respectively for two subjects).In general, the results showed a positive effect of desuggestopedia teaching method on a positive attitude towards mathematics and reducing mathematical anxiety.