ERIC Number: EJ1164452
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Nov
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1089-9995
EISSN: N/A
Learning Gains and Response to Digital Lessons on Soil Genesis and Development
Mamo, Martha; Ippolito, James A.; Kettler, Timothy A.; Reuter, Ronald; McCallister, Dennis; Morner, Patricia; Husmann, Dann; Blankenship, Erin
Journal of Geoscience Education, v59 n4 p194-204 Nov 2011
Evolving computer technology is offering opportunities for new online approaches in teaching methods and delivery. Well-designed web-based (online) lessons should reinforce the critical need of the soil science discipline in today's food, energy, and environmental issues, as well as meet the needs of the diverse clientele with interest in agricultural and/or environmental disciplines. The objectives of the project were to: (1) develop web-based lessons in soil genesis and development and (2) evaluate context-based case studies or application lessons (agronomic, environmental, and ecological situations) to teach soil genesis and development. Six principles lessons, along with three applications lessons, were developed for use by undergraduate soil science courses. Pre- and post-tests were used to assess learning gains. A postactivity survey was also used to assess perceptions of the web-based lessons by student users. Students' test performance from pre- to post-test improved by 69%. Although there were no differences in post-test gains among learning styles, or between genders, the students majoring in professional golf management had higher post-test gains than other majors. Since their inception in 2006, lessons have continued to be both primary and supplemental resources for multiple courses serving over 140 students each year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Oregon State University-Cascades. The lessons will be especially useful for teachers who do not have extensive training in soil science yet cover the subject as part of a basic earth science course.
Descriptors: Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Pretests Posttests, Soil Science, Teaching Methods, Web Based Instruction, Case Studies, Undergraduate Students, College Science, Student Surveys, Achievement Gains, Gender Differences, Cognitive Style, Majors (Students), Topography, Measures (Individuals), Statistical Analysis
National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Carleton College W-SERC, One North College Street, Northfield, MN 55057. Tel: 540-568-6675; Fax: 540-568-8058; e-mail: jge@jmu.edu; Website: http://nagt-jge.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nebraska; Oregon
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Learning Style Inventory
Grant or Contract Numbers: 0042603