Abstract:
The objectives of the research were: (1) to compare problem solving ability of seventh grade students who received four types of feedback which are elaborative feedback, suggestive feedback, mixed feedback, and corrective feedback and (2) to study the interactions between learning ability in mathematics and feedback types which can affect problem solving ability of seventh grade students. Quasi-experimental approach with pretest-posttest was used in this study. Samples were 140 seventh grade students classified into 3 groups of mathematics learning ability, i.e., high, moderate, and low. Students were provided with 4 types of feedback, i.e., elaborative feedback, suggestive feedback, mixed feedback, and corrective feedback. The research instruments were (1) pretest and posttest examination, (2) single variable equation exercise, and (3) computer assisted instruction. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and two-way ANOVA. Results were provided as follows: (1) In the high learning ability in mathematics group, those who received elaborative feedback, suggestive feedback are better at problem solving ability than those who received corrective feedback with statistical significance level of .05 and .01. In the moderate learning ability in mathematics group, those who received elaborative feedback, suggestive feedback, and mixed feedback are better at problem solving ability than those who received corrective feedback with statistical significance level of .01. In this group, those who received mixed feedback are better at problem solving ability than those who received elaborative feedback with statistical significance level of .05. In the low learning ability in mathematics group, those who received elaborative feedback, suggestive feedback, and mixed feedback are better at problem solving ability than those who received corrective feedback with statistical significance level of .01. Also, In this group, those who received mixed feedback are better at problem solving ability than those who received suggestive feedback with statistical significance level of .05. (2) There were interactions between learning ability in mathematics and feedback types on ability to solve mathematics problems with statistical significance level of .01.