Developing Positive Attitude towards Science and Mathematics through Motivational Classroom Experiences.

Abstract

This paper presents results of a survey among school children aged 10 to 14 years, who participated in science or mathematics workshops. It particularly relates to their interest and motivation determined immediately after the workshop had finished. A total of 70 workshops were held in elementary schools of Rijeka, Croatia, involving the participation of 1240 students aged from 10 to 14 years. The workshops were designed in order to encourage active engagement in class work and a deeper approach to learning stemming from meaningful involvement in a real problem related to everyday life. The results of the survey on student's attitudes towards science and mathematics after the workshop indicated that students accept this type of lesson eagerly, they value demonstrations, applications and practical, hands-on experimentation, and that after this type of classroom activity they express positive attitude towards science and mathematics.