ERIC Number: EJ985261
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Nov
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1046-560X
EISSN: N/A
The Integration of Creative Drama in an Inquiry-Based Elementary Program: The Effect on Student Attitude and Conceptual Learning
Hendrix, Rebecca; Eick, Charles; Shannon, David
Journal of Science Teacher Education, v23 n7 p823-846 Nov 2012
Creative drama activities designed to help children learn difficult science concepts were integrated into an inquiry-based elementary science program. Children (n = 38) in an upper elementary enrichment program at one primary school were the participants in this action research. The teacher-researcher taught students the Full Option Science System[TM] (FOSS) modules of sound (fourth grade) and solar energy (fifth grade) with the integration of creative drama activities in treatment classes. A 2 x 2 x (2) Mixed ANOVA was used to examine differences in the learning outcomes and attitudes toward science between groups (drama and non-drama) and grade levels (4th and 5th grades) over time (pre/post). Learning was measured using the tests included with the FOSS modules. A shortened version of the Three Dimension Elementary Science Attitude Survey measured attitudes toward science. Students in the drama treatment group had significantly higher learning gains (F = 160.2, p less than 0.001) than students in the non-drama control group with students in grade four reporting significantly greater learning outcomes (F = 14.3, p less than 0.001) than grade five. There was a significantly statistical decrease in student attitudes toward science (F = 7.5, p less than 0.01), though a small change. Creative drama was an effective strategy to increase science conceptual learning in this group of diverse elementary enrichment students when used as an active extension to the pre-existing inquiry-based science curriculum.
Descriptors: Drama, Action Research, Student Attitudes, Enrichment Activities, Control Groups, Elementary School Science, Grade 4, Grade 5, Science Programs, Creative Activities, Inquiry, Scientific Concepts, Teacher Researchers, Statistical Analysis, Experimental Groups, Scientific Attitudes, Pretests Posttests, Student Surveys, Science Instruction, Instructional Effectiveness, Educational Strategies, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Grade 4; Grade 5
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A