The Effects of Problem-Based STEM Applications on Academic Success

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of problem-based STEM applications on the academic success of students. In the study, the single group pre-test and post-test weak experimental design among the quantitative research designs was used. The study group of the study was consisted of 19 sixth grade students in a state middle school, located in Adilcevaz district of the city, Bitlis in the 2016-2017 academic year. The success test was used as a data collection tool in the study was applied and pre-test prior to the problem-based STEM applications and as post-test after the applications which lasted for five course hours. The analysis of the obtained data was done with the Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney U test among the non-parametric statistical techniques. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the problem-based STEM applications increased the academic success of students. A significant difference was not observed between female and male students’ academic success prior to and after the application. In the light of the study results, it can be stated that problem-based learning used in the application of STEM education is an effective method in increasing the success of students