ERIC Number: EJ1122839
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-0541
EISSN: N/A
Determining the Effects of Reflection Type and Cognitive Style on Students' Content Knowledge
Blackburn, J. Joey; Robinson, J. Shane; Kacal, Amanda
Journal of Agricultural Education, v56 n3 p195-209 2015
The purpose of this exploratory, experimental study was to determine the effects that the type of reflection-in-action and students' cognitive style had on content knowledge of preservice agriculture teachers (N = 57) at Oklahoma State University. Students' cognitive style was assessed using Kirton's Adaptation-Innovation Inventory (KAI). Students were classified as either more adaptive or more innovative. Students were assigned randomly to either a verbal or written reflection-in-action group in the completely randomized 2x2 design. A Lab Aids® classroom kit, based on the principles of biofuels, served as the content for the treatment. The findings of this study indicated that cognitive style and type of reflection-in-action did not affect students' knowledge scores in an agriscience laboratory positively or negatively. As such, teachers can utilize either type of reflection-in-action without detriment to student learning. As this study was exploratory in nature, it is recommended that it be replicated with a larger sample size to increase generalizability. Additional research should focus on pairing students of similar and opposite cognitive styles to determine how their problem-solving ability and performance on tests is affected.
Descriptors: Reflection, Cognitive Style, Creativity Tests, Problem Solving, Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Preservice Teachers, Experiential Learning, Experimental Groups, Statistical Analysis, Laboratory Experiments, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Teaching Methods, Science Education, Science Instruction
American Association for Agricultural Education. P.O. Box 7607, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, Raleigh, NC 27695. Web site: http://www.aaaeonline.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Oklahoma
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Kirton Adaption Innovation Inventory
Grant or Contract Numbers: EPS0814361