Effect of Children’s Mathematical Problem Solving Ability and Their Self-Esteem through Havruta Method Using Math Storybooks

Abstract

This study examines the effect of 5-year-old children’s mathematical problem solving ability and their self-esteem based on the Havruta method using math storybooks. The subjects of this study were 40 5-year-old students attending a kindergarten in the Incheon area: 20 students comprised the treatment group and 20 students comprised the control group. An instrument originally created by Ward (1993) but adapted by Hwang (1997) and later modified by Ryu (2003) was used to test the children’s mathematical problem solving abilities. A modified version (Kim, 1997) of an instrument developed by Harter and Pike (1984) was used to measure children’s self-esteem. Test results were analyzed using SPSS ver. 18.0 for Windows. The findings are as follows. First, the treatment group that had Havruta classes utilizing math story books was found to improve significantly more than the control group in their mathematical problem solving ability. Havruta classes had positive effects on children’s mathematical problem solving abilities. Second, there was no significant difference found between the two groups in terms of self-esteem when the children’s self-esteem was compared after Havruta classes that utilize math storybooks. It may not be possible to see immediate changes in children’s self-esteem because positive parent and teacher feedback had the strongest influence on 5-year-old children’s self-esteem, as opposed to self-learning. The results of this study provide meaningful basic data for Havruta classes that focus on questions and discussions through math story books to increase children’s mathematical problem solving abilities in the child education field. Keywords: math storybook, Havruta method, mathematical problem solving ability, self-esteem