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Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences 2 (2010) 1405–1409

WCES-2010

The effect of the material based on the 7E model on the fourth grade
students’ comprehension skill about fraction concepts
Gül Kaleli YÕlmaza *, Elif Ertemb, Salih Çepnib
a
The Faculty of Education, Artvin Çoruh University, 08000 Artvin, Turkey
b
Fatih Faculty of Education, Karadeniz Technical University, 61335 Sö÷ütlü-Trabzon, Turkey

Received October 13, 2009; revised December 22, 2009; accepted January 7, 2010

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the material on the fourth grade primary school students’ comprehension
skill about fraction concept. Quasi-experimental research design including 44 students (22 experimental, 22 control group) were
used. While the experimental group was taught with the materials based on the 7E model, the control group was taught with the
existing textbook material. An open ended test including ten questions about fraction developed by the researchers and teachers
was used as pre and post-test. Pre and post-test results were compared by using t-test in SPSS packet program and it was
determined that there was a meaningful difference between experiment and control groups’ success (t42=2.052, p=.046 < .05)
about fraction.
© 2010 Elsevier Ltd. Open access under CC BY-NC-ND license.

Keywords: Fraction; 7E model; constructivist approach; mathematics; primary curriculum.

1. Introduction

Mathematics, which we have been face to face since primary schools, is indispensable part of our daily life and it
is a subject to be focused on not only academic information but also general interest. Mathematics is not a common
communication language and a strong tool for scientists and engineers only. It is an important tool we use both in
science and daily life. Because of this importance, mathematics has been permanent lesson of school program since
primary school even if nursery school (Baykul, 1999).
If we teach mathematics with a static way in memorazing facts and rules, mathematics lessons become boring for
all students. Besides, the mathematics lessons borders the students’ potential and it does not let students to use their
different creative abilities. For that reason, most of the students do not attend to mathematics classes willingly, so
this decreases the students’ success (Lesser, 2000).
One of the most difficult topics of mathematics for the teachers and students is fraction, especially the fractional
process. Every year, students learn fraction as addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication in a routine way,

* Gül Kaleli YÕlmaz. Tel.: +9 0466 215 10 43; fax: +9 0466 215 10 42
E-mail address: [email protected]

1877-0428 © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Open access under CC BY-NC-ND license.
doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.209
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however; in the following years they probably forget how to do them. The primary reasons of having difficulties to
do fraction process are that students memorize the formulas and algorithm instead of understanding them, and also
they perceive denominator and shares of the fraction as two different integers (ùiap and Duru, 2004).
To explain the nature of Learning and Teaching process many learning theories are suggested. One of the
theories that most defended in recent years is the constructivist learning theory. Constructivism is a theory of
knowledge (epistemology) which argues that humans generate knowledge and meaning from their experiences.
Constructivism is not a specific pedagogy, although it is often confused with constructionism, an educational theory
developed by Seymour Papert. Piaget's theory of constructivist learning has had wide ranging impact on learning
theories and teaching methods in education and is an underlying theme of many education reform movements.
Constructivism recognizes that students are at different levels of understanding and elicit a variety of ideas.
Sharing their ideas with others allows them to clarify their own thoughts and consider those of their peers.
Heterogeneous cooperative groups allow students to share ideas, reflect on the ideas of others, and debate
differences in views. Students may not be thinking in the same manner, but they are learning ideas in ways that are
meaningful to them (Schulte, P.L. 1996).
Besides 4E and 5E models of the constructivist approach, there is another model known as the 7E model which is
much more developed than 5E model. It consists of 7 stages: to excite, explore, explain, expand, extend, exchange,
examine (Çepni, ùan, Gökdere & Küçük, 2001).
The problem sentence of research is that ‘Are there any meaningful differences between the 7E model and
traditional model on students’ success in teaching fraction concept to the fourth grade primary school students?’
This study aims to investigate the effect of the 7E model on the fourth grade primary school students’
comprehension skill about fraction concept.

2. Method

This study is conducted at a primary school, in 2008-2009 Academic Years, in Trabzon with 44 fourth grade
students.

2.1. Model of Research

A quasi-experimental research design is used with an experimental and control group using the pre and posttest
approach. Lesson plans based on the 7E model and the existing ones covering objectives under three standards of
the fraction unit were taught in experimental and the control group. The researchers tried to find out if there is a
difference between two groups concerning gaining target behaviors and providing permanence learning.

2.2. Data Collection Tools

Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered for the study. Qualitative data were collected by classroom
observations and semi-structured student interviews and quantitative data were obtained by the achievement test
prepared.
To see whether teaching the lessons according to the 7E model has impression on the continuance of participants’
knowledge, 7 open-ended questions asked to the students and 5 open-ended questions asked to the teachers. After
the study both teachers and students were also asked to write general opinion about teaching activities.

2.3. Data Analysis

The data analysis obtained from the application is done in using SPSS packet program. Students’ mathematics
knowledge assessment over ten points is done via the pre and posttest. Their scores are compared with each other
using t- test. In the process of descriptive analysis of worksheet, interviews, conceptual change texts, and reflective
writings students’ sentences were directed taken. Students’ thoughts transferred as they are and is is believed in this
way the readers had opportunities to interpret the data on their own.
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2.4. Implementation Process

At the very initial step, an achievement test was applied students. Achievement test was developed by taking
opinions of experts and teachers.
There are many objectives under three standards for fraction unit at Primary School Mathematics Program (MEB,
2005). To access the gains, a worksheet prepared according to the 7E model is performed to control group during 6
class hours. During applications, a conceptual change text is used to remove the misconceptions found in the pre
test. 6 hours lessons including pre and posttest, taught to the experimental and the control group. During application
the experimental group was divided into two-person heterogeneous groups.

3. Findings

3.1. Findings of pre-test

When the pre-test results were examined, it was seen that students have the misunderstandings and
misconceptions in below.
According to pretest findings, if multiplication of fraction denominator and share are equal to each other, students
thought that fractions are equivalent to each other. A student says that 4/10 fraction is not equivalent of 2/5 fraction.
While explaining this, he says it is not possible as 4/10 is extended fraction with 2 of 2/5. That type of question
which students should make addition and subtraction of two different fractions, they do not care the different
fraction denominator and they make addition of denominator and shares.(e.g. addition of 6/7 + 3/8 =? But students
found that result 6/7 + 3/8 = 9/15). Some students say that big fraction denominator should be written while making
addition of two different denominator (e.g. addition of 6/7 + 3/8 = ? but students found 6+3 / 8 = 9/8 ).

3.2. Findings of observations and interview

After examining the result of pretest, an interview is made with students in the experimental group. At the last
interview, it is seen that there is a positive development in contrast with first interview.
At the end of the study, students are asked to write their opinions about the material. Some opinions belong to the
students are given below.”
“Our lessons were very amusing. You taught us lots of things. You gave fractions by using potatoes and apples.
Fractions seemed as if they had been alive. It was very nice.”
“That lesson was very nice. I liked working with potatoes and apples. I took potatoes and apples. They would be
a good memory for me.”

3.3. Comparison of pre-test and post-test

Below table is the result of independent t-test and show whether there is a meaningful difference between
experimental and control group.
Table-1 Experimental and Control Groups’ Pretest Comparison

Pre-test N x S sd t P

Experimental Group 22 6.81 2.19

42 -5.28 .600
Control Group 22 7.13 1.78

There is not obvious difference at pretest results between Experimental and Control Group (t42=-0.528 p>.05).
That can be interpreted as the groups of students are equivalent.
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Table-2 Experimental and Control Groups’ Post-test Comparison

Post-test N x S sd t P

Experimental Group 22 8.45 1.56
42 2.05 .046
 Control Group 22 7.36 1.94

There is obvious difference at posttest results between Experimental and Control Group (t42=2.052 p<.05). Thus,
the result of independent t-test shows that the difference between two groups is in favor of experimental group.
Table-3 Experimental Group Pre and Posttest Comparison

Experimental Group N x S sd t P

Pre- test 22 6.81 2.19

21 -4.50 .000
Post-test 22 8.45 1.56


From the result of dependent t-test, a significant difference is found in favor of posttest (t21=-4.500, p<.01). This
finding shows that the Experimental Group success has increased in the environment designed with the 7E model.

Table-4 Control Group Pre and Posttest Comparison

Control Group N x S sd t P

Pre- test 22 7.13 1.78

21 -1.22 .234
Post-test 22 7.36 1.94

From the result of dependency t-test, a significant difference is not found in favor of posttest (t21=-1.226, p>.05).
That finding can be interpreted as the environment designed with traditional teaching method for control group did
not affect their success.

4. Discussion and Results

x A significance difference is not observed among experimental and control group students’ pre-test results. That
is, it is determined that before the study students’ level were the same both in experimental and control group.
x By the help of analysis result it is determined that experimental group students trained with the 7E model were
more successful than control group. Hence; it could be argued that the 7E model is an effective teaching method.
x It is observed that the worksheets and conceptual text prepared according to the 7E model gave positive
impressions to the students at the experimental group and at the same time students’ misconceptions decreased
and students gave better answers to the questions.
x From the result of pre and post-interview comparison it is seen that students corrected their misconceptions they
had before study and they were able to answer the questions though two weeks past. We can say that materials
based on the 7E model have an influence on lesson permanence.
x After study, students’ comments are taken and some of them are written in the finding part. Student said that they
liked the lesson, potatoes and apples activities and also mathematics lesson was entertaining them.
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5. Recommendation

x Rudiments are very important for effective learning. 7E Model is applied step by step so that it enables to realize
rudiments and misconceptions at the first step and teachers can provide opportunities to take measures according
to this situation.
x To teach the lesson associating with daily life, both makes it entertaining and helps the information permanency.
If the 7E Model’s step consists of daily life activities, the information will be more permanent.
x Teachers should be informed about Constructivist Approach and Models and also their important parts should be
stressed in detail with some concrete materials.
x Mathematics courses include abstract topics so each topic may not possible to design according to the 7E model.
Also, 7E model in terms of applicability according to 4E and 5E model includes a process more difficult and
longer. This can decrease the applicability of mathematics in the 7E model.
x Finally, to prepare a lesson plan according to the 7E model requires a lot of time. It may be difficult for each
topic to distinguish the steps within 7E model from each other. However, that method may be suitable for science
and technology lesson which has more concrete concepts.

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