مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Investigation of Student Responses on Revelation of the Relation between Particulate Nature of Matter Topic and Contexts

Abstract :

The fact that students cannot associate the concepts with their own experiences and the consequent emergence of alternative conceptions, lack of motivation towards the courses and academic failure have led scientists to resort to context-based learning approach. According to context- based learning approach, it is necessary to make students realize the relationship between real life issues and science. The REACT strategy, which prioritizes contextual learning at each level, is a way of practice reflecting the context-based learning approach on teaching practices. This study has been carried out within the scope of “particulate nature of matter” topic from 6^th grade curriculum. A REACT strategy has been designed and this study seeks to analyze its effects on students’ relating scientific concepts with contexts. This is an experimental study with pre-test post-test control groups. This study has been conducted with total 101 students with 50 students from experimental groups and 51 students control groups. Developed teaching material consists of animations, worksheets and case studies. Hot air balloon and working principle of its is used main context in teaching material. Teaching materials based on REACT strategy, which prioritizes contextual learning in each phase, have been developed. Data collection tools are contextual test and interviews that consists of open-ended questions. The results of data collection tools are indicative of the fact that teaching materials based on REACT strategy are more effective than teachers teaching materials. It was seen that students could make more partial relating rather than full relating upon analyzing the qualitative findings. This shows that students can relate more macroscopically rather than in terms of particles.