This exploratory mixed methods study addressed the types of gains students made
when engaged in one of two forms of inquiry. Gains were measured on three levels:
conceptual understanding, the process of scientific investigation, and use of practical
reasoning skills. One hundred-thirty 8th grade students from a rural public school in East
Texas participated in this study. Classes of students were randomly assigned to one of
two treatment groups: guided inquiry or authentic student research learning. Non
parametric statistical analysis and constant comparative qualitative analysis were used to
triangulate pre-tests and post-tests, student journals, and student drawings to address the
research questions. Findings support greater gains in conceptual understanding of
domain specific content in a highly scaffolded guided inquiry. Further authentic
scientific research learning was more effective for developing understanding of scientific
investigation as a process and application of knowledge through practical reasoning
skills.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/3808 |
| Date | 16 August 2006 |
| Creators | Scallon, Jane Metty |
| Contributors | Stuessy, Carol Sue |
| Publisher | Texas A&M University |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book, Thesis, Electronic Thesis, text |
| Format | 1289550 bytes, electronic, application/pdf, born digital |
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