ERIC Number: EJ1039301
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Dec
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 64
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0157-244X
Enhancing Conceptual Change in Preschool Children's Representations of Light: A Sociocognitive Approach
Ravanis, Konstantinos; Christidou, Vasilia; Hatzinikita, Vassilia
Research in Science Education, v43 n6 p2257-2276 Dec 2013
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a sociocognitive teaching strategy on young children's understanding of light. It explores their understanding of the concept of light as an entity that is transmitted independently of the light source and the final receiver. The study was conducted in three phases: pretest, teaching intervention, and post-tests. The sample consisted of 170 preschool children who were assigned to two groups. The children in the first group participated in activities which adopted a sociocognitive approach. In the context of this approach, a familiar metaphor was introduced in order to facilitate children to construct a "precursor model" about light. The children in the second group participated in activities with the same teaching objectives, but adopting an empiricist perspective. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test indicated that the cognitive progress of the sociocognitive group was more significant than the progress of the empiricist group. This provides evidence for the effect of the sociocognitive strategy on enhancing children in constructing a "precursor model" for the concept of light.
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Preschool Children, Teaching Methods, Pretests Posttests, Intervention, Models, Figurative Language, Science Activities, Statistical Analysis, Cognitive Processes, Light, Concept Formation, Cognitive Development
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Preschool Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: Mann Whitney U Test

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