The Effect of Learning with the Environmental Approach on the Third Graders’ Ability of Mathematics Problem Solving

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the effect of learning with the environmental approach on the third graders’ ability of mathematics problem solving. The sample of the study consisted of 73 third grade students from two sections distributed randomly to an experimental group who learned during the “Statistics and Probability” unit by using the environmental approach; and a control group who learned using the traditional method of instruction. After the completion of the study, a post problem solving test was applied to the two groups, and data were analyzed using SPSS program to answer the research questions. Results of the study revealed that the learning with the environmental approach had, in general, a positive effect on improving students’ ability in problem solving, specifically on students with medium level of achievement.