ERIC Number: EJ775747
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Nov
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0263-5143
EISSN: N/A
Hands-On versus Teacher-Centred Experiments in Soil Ecology
Randler, Christoph; Hulde, Madeleine
Research in Science & Technological Education, v25 n3 p329-338 Nov 2007
This study focused on differences between teacher-centred and learner-centred experiments in soil ecology. After a pilot study, we selected three experiments simple enough to be carried out by pupils even with little experience in self-determined learning and hands-on practice. The sample comprised 123 fifth and sixth graders from a middle school (four classes). We found a significant influence of treatment on achievement and pupils enrolled in a learner-centred environment scored higher. Girls scored higher than boys in both treatments. We found no differences in well-being, boredom or difficulty of the tasks, but pupils of the learner-centred group expressed a higher interest. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Grade 6, Ecology, Middle Schools, Hands on Science, Soil Science, Science Experiments, Student Centered Curriculum, Grade 5, Gender Differences, Scores, Student Attitudes, Student Interests, Science Achievement, Teaching Methods
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/default.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 5; Grade 6; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A