The Effect of the Pirie and Kieren Model of Mathematical Understanding on the Enhancement of Geometric Thinking among Seventh Grade Students

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of Pirie and Kieren model of the mathematical understanding on the enhancement of geometric thinking. To achieve this, a quasi - experimental methodology with pre-post design of two groups was used, develop a geometric thinking test. A convenient sample of (50) female seventh grade students was selected and assigned into two groups; experimental and control. The results showed statistically significant differences in the geometric thinking test and at each of its levels in favor of the experimental group. Moreover, there were significant differences between the percentages of the students who were classified at the analytical, the informal deduction and the formal deduction levels in favor of the experimental group, and there were no significant differences between the percentages of female students who were classified within the visualization level. And a significant gain in the geometric thinking levels attributed to the teaching method was revealed. In light of the results, a set of recommendations were presented for teachers and researchers Further research is needed to develop instruction based on the Pirie-Kieren model for other geometry topics, for different content standards such as algebra, and for different educational levels.