Date Approved
4-24-2000
Embargo Period
6-17-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Subject Matter Teaching: Mathematics
Department
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Education
College
College of Education
Advisor
Milou, Eric
Subject(s)
High school students--Attitudes; Mathematics--Study and teaching (Secondary); Science--Study and teaching (Secondary)
Disciplines
Science and Mathematics Education
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on students' attitudes of an interdisciplinary program at a rural high school in southern New Jersey.
The interdisciplinary mathematics and science program of Oakcrest High School that began in 1998 involved teaming a non-college prep ninth grade mathematics course with the same level general science course. A group of 30 students who had participated in this program were selected; then a Likert-style 22 question attitude survey was developed and implemented to determine the impact the program had on students' attitudes. An analysis of the survey included a one-sample t-test on all questions, two-sample t-tests, an analysis of variance, and a correlation of means to determine significant differences between major areas.
The analysis revealed significant differences related to all research questions. Student attitudes significantly differed when compared to their attitudes from previous mathematics courses. The interdisciplinary course impacted their choice of future mathematics classes. Attitudes of students were not significantly different based on age, gender, or ethnicity. And finally, students' home environments impacted their attitude towards the interdisciplinary mathematics and science program.
Recommended Citation
Boakes, Norma J., "The impact of the interdisciplinary mathematics and science program on students' attitudes at Oakcrest High School" (2000). Theses and Dissertations. 1636.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/1636
