Active learning approaches have shown to improve student learning outcomes and improve the experience of students in the classroom. This article compares a Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning style approach to a more traditional teaching method in an undergraduate research methods course. Moving from a more traditional learning environment to a student-centered approach proved an enjoyable experience for the students and the instructor as well. The learning method forces students into an active role in the classroom and allows the instructor to be the facilitator of the learning experience. Students are able to explore course content and gain valuable group skills in the process.

This study explored how Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) elicits learners’ reasoning about stoichiometry. The study further explored the perceptions of both teachers and learners over the use of POGIL in the field of stoichiometry. A qualitative case study was carried out at two conveniently and purposely sampled township schools in Pretoria, South Africa. For this purpose, two 11th grade physical sciences classes (N=48) and their respective teachers who were previously trained to teach using POGIL, gave consent to participate in the study. Data were collected using pre-intervention test, post-intervention test and lesson observations, as well as focus group interviews for learners and individual interviews for teachers. All data were coded and analysed with the aid of ATLAS.ti software for qualitative data analysis. The pre-intervention test indicated that the learners lacked reasoning in solving stoichiometry questions. The post-intervention test results indicated that the learners improved their mathematical reasoning and achievement. The findings from the observations indicate that the learners were excited, motivated and actively engaged in their work, assisting one another by endeavouring to answer questions supported with justification. The findings from the focus group interviews indicate that the learners were excited to learn using POGIL and wished to use it in other subjects such as mathematics. The learners anticipated an improvement in their grades and understanding of stoichiometry. The findings from the teachers’ interviews indicated that they too appreciated using POGIL. They found POGIL useful in reducing misconceptions, increasing learner participation, increasing understanding and achievement, and felt that their learners were interested in utilising POGIL as a learning tool. The results indicated that POGIL increased learners’ reasoning, understanding, achievement, active participation, and interest in learning. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2021. / National Research Foundation (NRF) / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / PhD / Unrestricted

The science education system currently in place in the United States does not adequately prepare students to compete well with international students. The development of new teaching methods is essential to ensure improvement of the system and provide its students with better scholastic achievements and employment opportunities. Various methods have been studied, with one implemented in a high school classroom to compare the results of the new method with the traditional method of instruction. Rather than the traditional lecture-based approach, Honors Chemistry students learned the theory of the gas laws using inquiry-based methods and hands-on activities. The students were then evaluated using the same assessment as in previous years where instruction was more direct. Preliminary results indicate a 3% increase in the final assessment score using the inquiry method rather than the straight lecture approach.

The integration of mobile and sensor technologies, and the design and implementation of different web-enabled visualizations to support inquiry learning in different educational scenarios encompass the main research efforts carried out in this thesis. These challenges are addressed from the perspectives of mobile and web engineering, visualization and technology-enhanced learning (TEL). Thus, the main research question investigated in this thesis relates to the identification of the main features that can guide the design and implementation of web and mobile applications to support inquiry learning in different contexts. This thesis consists of a collection of four publications that describe the research efforts conducted during a period of three years in relation to the Learning Ecology through Science with Global Outcomes (LETS GO) research project. The research questions investigated and the implemented technological solutions reported in these publications are closely related to the main goals and challenges of this thesis. The design and implementation of the proposed software system was guided, deployed and refined having the following aspects in mind: (1) System Requirements and Architectural Design, (2) System Implementation and Deployment, and (3) System Assessment and Web Usability Testing. During the three years of development efforts, three software prototypes were implemented utilizing service-oriented approaches. These efforts have been tested with more than 200 users in connection to several trials that took place during this period. The user trials allowed testing the software application throughout three development iterations on authentic settings, while new requirements continuously emerged in these activities. This process made it possible to verify that user requirements were adequately addressed while satisfying their needs. The outcomes of these activities led to the design and implementation of a system architecture that relies on service-oriented approaches and open standards. The main outcomes of this thesis are presented in the form of Architectural Concepts, as they can be used to guide the design and implementation of web and mobile applications to support inquiry learning. The idea behind architectural concepts is to provide a set of tools for supporting the overall life cycle of a software development process, such as requirements, design, implementation, deployment and testing while coping with rapid changes of technological implementations. Some of the architectural concepts identified in this thesis correspond well with the kind of support that inquiry-learning activities require. They provide solid foundations in terms of possibilities to tackle the requirements for supporting inquiry learning in a flexible manner.

Please read the abstract in the section, 00front, of this document / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Humanities Education / DPhil / Unrestricted

„Wurzeln und Flügel“ sollten Kinder bekanntlich von ihren Eltern bekommen um Bindung und Freiheit zu erfahren. Möchte man engagierte forschungsorientierte Gruppenlernprozesse gestalten spielen diese beiden Aspekte ebenfalls eine zentrale Rolle. Die Teilnehmenden solcher Prozesse erarbeiten sich gemeinsam den Zugang zu einem Themengebiet, finden sich in Gruppen zusammen, um sich gegenseitig zu unterstützen und bekommen durch die Auflösung der Seminarstruktur die Freiheit, sich intensiv mit den selbst gewählten Schwerpunkten auseinanderzusetzen. Sie teilen Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse mit der Gesamtgruppe und profitieren von einem umfassenden Peer-Review im Prozess der Verschriftlichung der Ergebnisse. Einblicke in die Planung, die Durchführung und vor allem die umfassende Evaluation eines solchen „blended“ gestalteten Seminars der Kunstdidaktik (Fachdidaktische Kritik digitaler Arbeitsmittel im Kunstunterricht) bilden in diesem Workshop die Basis für Diskussionen, praktische Überlegungen und kleine Anwendungen.

„Wurzeln und Flügel“ sollten Kinder bekanntlich von ihren Eltern bekommen um Bindung und Freiheit zu erfahren. Möchte man engagierte forschungsorientierte Gruppenlernprozesse gestalten spielen diese beiden Aspekte ebenfalls eine zentrale Rolle. Die Teilnehmenden solcher Prozesse erarbeiten sich gemeinsam den Zugang zu einem Themengebiet, finden sich in Gruppen zusammen, um sich gegenseitig zu unterstützen und bekommen durch die Auflösung der Seminarstruktur die Freiheit, sich intensiv mit den selbst gewählten Schwerpunkten auseinanderzusetzen. Sie teilen Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse mit der Gesamtgruppe und profitieren von einem umfassenden Peer-Review im Prozess der Verschriftlichung der Ergebnisse. Einblicke in die Planung, die Durchführung und vor allem die umfassende Evaluation eines solchen „blended“ gestalteten Seminars der Kunstdidaktik (Fachdidaktische Kritik digitaler Arbeitsmittel im Kunstunterricht) bilden in diesem Workshop die Basis für Diskussionen, praktische Überlegungen und kleine Anwendungen.

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The study investigated the influence of Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning Approach (POGIL) on Science Foundation students’ achievements in stoichiometry versus traditional lecture centered pedagogy. Two intact science foundation class groups at the University of Namibia were used as a case study. A quasi-experimental non-randomized pre and posttests control group design was used to investigate the achievement in stoichiometry. Data on student achievements were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The ANCOVA results showed that there was a significant statistical difference in achievements when comparing the adjusted mean score (54.5%) obtained by the control group and the adjusted mean score (60.5%) obtained by students in the POGIL group; (F (1,75) = 17.990, p < 0.05). The POGIL group also showed the highest average improvement (65%) on questions related to reaction stoichiometry and limiting reagents, whereas the control group recorded improvements of about 53% in the same section. The results from the analysis of student’s test solutions revealed that the POGIL group students were able to give concrete reasons for their answers that they had obtained through numerical calculations or multiple choices and demonstrated enhanced understanding of linking various stoichiometry concepts. / Science and Technology Education / M. Sc. (Chemistry Education)

The performance of learners in Physical Sciences in South Africa has been very poor for a very long time because of lack of basic understanding of scientific concepts. Given this background, there is the need to conduct an educational research to find pedagogical ways to improve performance in Physical Sciences in the secondary schools. Hence, the proposed study aims to investigate the use of science resource centres and laboratories to improve Physical Sciences education in Mthatha. In the light of the literature review, a list of facts were acquired which were used to develop the questionnaire for the Physical Sciences learners and their teachers. Seven public and private high schools in Mthatha were selected for the study. Stratified simple random sampling was used to select respondents. The study followed a non-experimental quantitative design to collect data. The main instruments used were questionnaire and interview. The various responses were analysed and interpreted with the literature. It was found that, the use of science resource centre and laboratory activities, together with a more learner-centred approach to teaching would significantly improve learner performance in Physical Sciences. The necessary recommendations and suggestions were made. It is hope that these recommendations would be taken up by the appropriate bodies to ensure that the needed benefits are obtained from the science resources, and laboratories. In this way, the science and technological base of the nation as a whole is strengthened for its development. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)