Effectiveness of Tangram-Based Learning in Enhancing Geometric Knowledge at the Elementary Level

Abstract

The study was aiming at exploring the effectiveness of Tangram-based learning in enhancing geometric knowledge at elementary level. The objectives of the study were:(i): To explore themean achievement scores of female students in geometry before the experiment, (ii): To explore the effectiveness of tangram on knowledge aspect of geometrical achievement of female studentsTo achieve the above objectives, the null hypotheses were tested: (i): There is no significant difference in mean achievement scores of female students in geometry before the experiment, (ii): There is no significant difference in knowledge aspect of geometry between the two female groups after the experiment.Total 40 students of 8^thgrade were taken as sample ofthe study. The sample students were divided into experimental and control group by paired random sampling technique. Each group comprises of 20 students of 8^th class. True experimental pretest-posttest equivalent group research design was used. Both the groups were provided the same learning material (course content). Control group was taught with traditional method (lecture demonstration method), while experimental group was taught by using the manipulative i.e., tangram for the period of six academic weeks. For data collection tests were developed. To measure the performance of the students, statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics and t-test were applied. The results of the study indicated that there was significant effect of tangram on the performance of the students and enhanced their knowledge. It was recommended that the teaching geometry concepts through tangram should be included in the curriculum. The study is significant for curriculum developers, teachers, students and other researchers.