The Influence of Learning Styles on the Academic Performance of Second Graders in Mathematics and Environmental Exploration

This study investigates the implications of learning styles on the academic performance of second graders in the subject Mathematics and Environmental Exploration. The research was conducted on a sample of 97 students from four classes (2nd grades A, C, D and F) at the "Avram Iancu" Theoretical High School in Cluj-Napoca, aged 8-9 years old. The classes were randomly selected according to the availability of the students and teachers to participate in the study. We aimed to determine the dominant learning style of students, by class, by completing a free online questionnaire, available on www.twinkl.ro; to measure students' performance in Mathematics and Environmental Exploration, at the beginning of the study (through an initial written test) and at the end (through a final written test); to adapt the teaching activities carried out in the mentioned classes, in order to respond to the dominant learning styles in each class, namely the visual style (classes II A and II F) and the kinesthetic style (classes II C and II D); to plan and support lessons that promote visual learning (with the help of images, educational videos) - in classes II A and II F and motor learning (through movement and practical activities, puzzles) - in classes II C and II D. The results of the research, analyzed with the Chi-square test, showed that the visual and kinesthetic styles have positive effects on the performance of students in the subject of Mathematics and Environmental Exploration, through the activities carried out in the lessons, this test indicating a significant difference between the final and initial test (p 0.05). In conclusion, learning styles influence the academic performance of second grade students in the subject of Mathematics and Environmental Exploration.