Evaluation of activity-based mathematics teaching to students with learning disabilities in out-of-school learning environments

Abstract

This study aimed to support primary school students with learning difficulties in out-of-school learning environments with artistic or sportive activities. The case study method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The activities prepared for students with learning difficulties were shaped by considering four learning areas (numbers, geometry, measurement, and data processing). Each learning area was associated with music, visual arts, sports, and drama methods, respectively. The prepared activities were implemented for four days between 16-19 April 2023, when schools were on holiday. The activities were applied to students in 20 lessons in five lessons of 40 minutes each day. The project's target group consisted of 24 students officially diagnosed with learning disabilities and attending the third and fourth grades of primary school. This study collected data from interviews, observation, document review, and curriculum-based evaluation methods. The content analysis method was used for data analysis. The results of the study show that activity-based mathematics teaching has a positive effect on student learning. Artistic or sportive activities can be added to school programs for students with learning difficulties to learn in real-life environments.