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The effects of science research course and computer-supported collaborative learning on students' scientific inquiry skills
Author
So, Kah Lay
Supervisor
Tan, Seng Chee
Abstract
This study focused on equipping students with scientific inquiry skills, which is considered as one of the most important aspects of science education. The traditional teaching of Science does not adequately equip our students with the necessary skills that are required of a scientist. In order to nurture future scientists, a Science Research course has been designed to impart the relevant scientific inquiry skills, which incorporates the use of a computer-supported collaborative learning platform - Knowledge Forum to support discussions among the students. The course was conducted for 71 thirteen year old students. These students belonged to two Secondary One (7th grade) classes. They went through three science investigative activities during which Knowledge Forum was used to support discussion prior to their final submission of their worksheets. The Test for Integrated Process Skills II was administered before and after the treatment to measure and compare the students' scientific inquiry skills. Qualitative analysis of the students' discourse was conducted to investigate possible reasons and processes leading to observed outcomes. In the Knowledge Forum, one of the classes was provided with scaffolds (cognitive prompts) to help in their discussions, while the other class was not provided with any scaffolding. Results showed that students in the class which was provided with scaffoldings provided in Knowledge Forum performed better in science inquiry.
Date Issued
2004
Call Number
Q183.4.S55 So
Date Submitted
2004