Arab Educational Information Network

The purpose of this research was to identify the level of processing and preparing information and the level of mathematical thinking of the seventh grade students in the city of Hail. The research also aimed at finding out the relationship between the use of information processing and preparation theory in mathematics education and the mathematical thinking. The sample of the research consisted of seventh grade (96) students selected from three middle schools in the city of Hail in the Kingdome of Saudi Arabia. Two research instruments were developed to achieve the purpose of this research: a) a scale for measuring methods used in, and b) a mathematical thinking skills test. Reliability and validity of both instruments were insured before conducting the study. Results of the study indicated that participants’ level regarding both using methods of processing and preparing information and employing mathematical thinking skills was low. Findings also revealed that that there was no statistically significant relationship between the use of information processing and preparation theory in mathematics education and the mathematical thinking. Therefore, it was recommended that mathematics teachers should be trained on how to effectively use methods and strategies of information processing and preparation theory in their teaching practices, and their students should be familiarized with using these methods and strategies in their learning activities. Some of these methods and strategies were recommended to be incorporated into mathematics curriculum. Implications of the study included the importance of developing professional programs to promote student use of methods and strategies of information processing and preparation. (Published Abstract)