The effect of PIQMAS application on the engagement processes of upper basic stage mathematics and science students

Abstract

New strategies, methods and projects for the learning of the mathematics and science disciplines are needed. One such project is the project for improving quality of mathematics and science (PIQMAS) education. In the present research, we consider the project implementation in Palestine. Specifically, we examine students’ engagement when implementing the project. To do that, we consider three components of engagement: the cognitive, the behavioral and the emotional. To collect the data, we used interviews and observations, which ensured the triangulation of data collection. We interviewed 13 science and mathematics teachers who carried out the project. We used deductive and inductive content analysis to analyze the interviews and observations transcripts. The research results indicated that the project impacted positively the three components of students’ engagement, which indicates the importance of incorporating new teaching methods, especially PIQMAS, in the teaching of science and mathematics. It is recommended to study different aspects of students’ learning in PIQMAS environment.