Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the problem based learning method on the motivation and anxiety levels of students in mathematics lesson. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were considered in the study, the embedded research design, which is among the mixed research approaches, was used. The research was conducted at a state school during 2014-2015 academic years. Problem based learning and traditional instruction methods were used in the experimental group and the control group respectively. “Math Anxiety Scale for Primary School Students” which was developed by Şentürk (2010), “Math Motivation Scale” which was developed by Tahiroğlu and Çakır (2014), and “Semi Structured Interview Form” were used in the research. In the analysis of quantitative data Independent Samples t-test, Paired Samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used. For the qualitative data, the content analysis was conducted. As a result of the research; it has been observed that the problem-based learning method increased students’ motivation but there was no significant difference in the anxiety levels of the students in the experimental group. In the control group, students’ motivation decreased but there was again no significant difference in the anxiety levels of the students. By means of appreciating qualitative data results, it was found that students have positive opinions about process of PBL method.