The Effectiveness of a Suggested Program in Developing College Students’ Ability to Write Proofs and their Beliefs Towards it

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of a suggested program in improving students’ ability to write proofs in algebra class and develop positive beliefs towards it's proofs. The program was based on discussion held on teaching methods and examples of proofs that involved students’ common mistakes. Two algebra classes from Kuwait university participated in the study: the experimental group consisted of (25( students and the control group consisted of (28( students. The program was implemented on the experimental group, while the controlled group was taught in the traditional method used in a college class. Data was collected using a proof writing test and beliefs questionnaire. The post-test of the proof writing test showed a statistically signifcant difference in students’ performance in favor of the experimental group. The effect size of the program was large (n2 (, and it represnted (48%( of the improvement of the students in the experimental group’s ability in writing proofs. Additionally, the results indicated a statistically signifcant difference in students’ beliefs towards proofs in the post-test, in favor of the experimental group. The effect size of the program was large (n2 (, and it represnted (22%( of the improvement of students’ positive attitude towards proofs in the experimental group.