Assessing the effects of the modular approach in math learning on independent creativity of university students

Abstract

Numerous teachers and researchers are studying the issue of improving the effectiveness of university education and offer innovative technologies to address this challenge. Modular learning is among the most relevant and productive teaching techniques. The paper examines how the modular approach in math learning contributes to the development of independent creativity of university students. The testing was performed at Tyumen Industrial University (Russia) among students of the Applied Geology program numbering 28 individuals in the control group and 27 individuals in the experimental group. The students were given a series of lectures to present new material that was later assimilated and reinforced during practical sessions through blocks and chains of preparatory and auxiliary tasks. To demonstrate their knowledge and grasping of the material, the students passed individual tests and exams. Statistical data were processed using Pearson’s chi-squared test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Based on the decision-making rule, the research confirms the hypothesis that the modular approach is more effective in forming students’ independent creativity in math learning if compared with conventional education. The research results demonstrate that 92% of students in the experimental group set about solving advanced math problems, while in the control group this share was 61%. The share of students in the experimental group who prepared research projects increased from 52% to 89%, while in the control group their number decreased from 56% to 43%. Among the avenues for further research is an attempt to implement applied research projects not only in math learning, but also in applied subjects of study throughout the entire training period. The development of independent creativity of university students is expected to have a positive effect on their ability to absorb the material of other courses.