A check list for evaluating persuasive features of mathematics courseware

Abstract

The main propose of this study is to introduce a check list for evaluating persuasive features of mathematics courseware. Since, mathematics is a source of anxiety among students (Zeidner & Matthews, 2010), this research is an attempt to employ persuasive features that can be used in mathematics courseware. Specifically, we sought to determine criteria that are important for persuading learners; and to ascertain persuasive factors have this ability that employed in computer based mathematics learning. These features originated 13 different prior persuasive models, theories, and approaches that are categorized in seven groups. Content Analysis was used to extract 16 features. For reporting results of Content Analysis method, were conducted 9 research steps. In the next step, the check list was prepared by using extracted persuasive principals with 16 criteria. So, three of more popular mathematics courseware in Iran, were evaluated by new designed check list; and are reported the results. The results have shown the most popular mathematics courseware which its name is "Kusha & Misha", could only earned approximately half of check list points. Two others courseware only be able to obtain a third of persuasive points. Totally, it can be concluded that, with more regard to the persuasion, perhaps we can overcome on negative attitudes toward mathematics in school students.