ERIC Number: EJ1020027
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Feb
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-202X
EISSN: N/A
Assessing Science Reasoning and Conceptual Understanding in the Primary Grades Using Standardized and Performance-Based Assessments
Kim, Kyung Hee; VanTassel-Baska, Joyce; Bracken, Bruce A.; Feng, Annie; Stambaugh, Tamra
Journal of Advanced Academics, v25 n1 p47-66 Feb 2014
Project Clarion, a Jacob K. Javits-funded project, focused on the scale-up of primary-grade science curricula. Curriculum units, based on an Integrated Curriculum Model (ICM), were developed for high-ability learners, but tried out with all students in Title I settings to study the efficacy of the units with all learners. The units focus on the development of students' conceptual understanding to undergird science content attainment. Teaching and learning models, such as concept formation and concept mapping were used to scaffold science learning and reasoning for appropriate curriculum differentiation. Science content mastery was measured using the Metropolitan Achievement Tests. Reasoning skills were measured using the Test of Critical Thinking. Understanding of macro-concepts and content attainment were measured by curriculum-embedded performance-based assessments. Students with the ICM outperformed students without the specialized curriculum in science content and reasoning skills, and showed greater growth in both conceptual understanding and content attainment.
Descriptors: Logical Thinking, Concept Formation, Scientific Concepts, Standardized Tests, Performance Based Assessment, Elementary School Science, Concept Mapping, Science Instruction, Science Achievement, Academically Gifted, Primary Education, Elementary School Students, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Critical Thinking, Achievement Tests, Individualized Instruction, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Instructional Effectiveness, Regression (Statistics)
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Primary Education; Kindergarten; Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Metropolitan Achievement Tests
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A