This research explored the effects of the integrated social mathematics program. The children's social skill and mathematical problem solving ability were examined. Two kindergarten classes were to be randomly selected to participate in the study. The...
This research explored the effects of the integrated social mathematics program. The children's social skill and mathematical problem solving ability were examined. Two kindergarten classes were to be randomly selected to participate in the study. The participants are 66 children who are five year-olds. They are randomly assigned to experimental group and control group. The social skills of children were measured by Social Skill Situations Measure (Kim, Y. O & Youn, J. S, 1999) revised based on the McGinnis & Goldstein's Social Skill Situations Measure (1990). The mathematical problem-solving ability was measured by Assessment of Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability (Hong, H. K, 1995) revised based on the Bird (1991)'s measurement. In this study, after educated by integrated social and math program, levels of social skills and mathematical problem solving ability of children increased substantially for participants in experimental group during the instructional period when integrated Social Mathematics program was in effect. Overall, the findings suggest that integrated Social Mathematics program is an effective method for increasing social skills and mathematical problem solving ability of young children in kindergarten classes. Limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and implications for educational practices are discussed.