The effect of dynamic geometry software and physical manipulatives on candidate teachers’ transformational geometry success

This study aims to investigate the effects of using Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) Cabri II Plus and physical manipulatives on the transformational geometry achievement of candidate teachers. In this study, the semiexperimental method was used, consisting of two experimental and one control groups. The samples of this study were 117 students. A 30-question test which was prepared based on the relative literature and expert opinion was used as a data collection tool. The test includes sections on recognition, features, and construction, and each section consists of ten questions. The data obtained from the pre- and post-tests were analyzed using the SPSS program. As a result of the statistical analysis, success levels of all groups were found to be the same before the applications, but after the applications, students’ transformational geometry success was found to significantly increase. When group success was analyzed, it was seen that the Computer Group placed first, the Manipulatives Group placed second, and the Traditional Group placed third in the sections of recognition and features. In the construction section, the Computer and Manipulatives Groups’ success levels were equal, and both groups were significantly more successful than the Traditional Group. The exercises performed with all groups increased their success levels significantly, thus showing that the applications were effective. © 2015 EDAM