Toward Smart School: A Comparison between Smart School and Traditional School for Mathematics Learning

Abstract

The quality of nation's political, social and economic future will depend on the capabilities of their young generation. Smart schools have been proposed as a solution to increase the capabilities of the new generation in the era of ICT. Recently, many smart schools have been established in Iran and other developing countries. The aim of this study is to compare smart training method and traditional training method in learning-retention processes of Mathematics. Among 9724 grade 3 students in Yazd, 60 students were selected from a traditional school by using cluster random sampling method. They randomized into two equal classes. After getting a pre-exam, the multiplying section of grade 3 Mathematics was presented in six sessions every week by using the researcher-made multimedia software in “smart class” and traditionally in other class. The “learning score” was assessed at the end of every session, while the “retention score” was assessed two weeks after each session. Independent-samples T test was used to compare learning and retention scores between two groups and paired-samples T test to compare retention and learning scores in each group. The mean learning score is significantly higher in the smart training group (19.33+0.9 vs. 17.66+0.68; P<0.001) than traditional group. Also, the mean retention score is significantly higher in the smart training group (18.57+1.91 vs. 16.65+1.95; P<0.001) than traditional group. We propose that developing and using appropriate educational technology could enhance Mathematics learning and retention in primary schools