DefinePK

Abstract

Mathematics plays an important role in developing students' scientific skills from the early stages. This study investigated the effect of Hands-on Learning on the development of scientific skills in first-graders. The objectives of the study were; 1). to examine the effect of Hands on Learning on the development of scientific skills in terms of numerical skills, 2). to measure the effect of conventional method on the development of scientific skills in terms of numerical skills, and 3).to compare the effect of Hands on Learning with conventional method on the development of scientific skills in terms of numerical skills. The study employed a true experimental research design. Seventy two one graders from BHS Hatli were randomly selected and divided into two groups: an experimental group taught using Hands-on Learning and a control group taught using the conventional method, over a period of eight weeks. Subject Achievement test was validated, pilot tested and the reliability of the test confirmed by a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.83. Thirty-two (32) lessons were planned for this study. Data were collected in the form of pre-test and post-test and analyzed by using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics through SPSS-25 software. The findings of the study showed a positive effect of Hands on Learning on the development of scientific skills. The result revealed that Hands on Learning was more effective method than conventional method in developing students’ scientific skills and is recommended for use in early mathematics classrooms for developing students’ scientific skills.