The effect of 5E learning cycle approach on sixth grade students' understanding of cell concept, attitude toward science and scientific epistemological beliefs

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2007
Kaynar, Devrim
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of 5E learning cycle on sixth grade students’ understanding of cell concepts, their attitude toward science and their scientific epistemological beliefs In this study the data were collected using ‘Epistemological Belief Questionnaire’ developed by Conley, Pintrich, Vekiri and Harrison (2004), the ‘Cell Concept Test’ developed by researcher and ‘Science Attitude Questionnaire’ developed by Geban, Ertepınar, Yılmaz and Şahbaz (1994). The instruments were administered as pre-test & post-test to a total of 160 sixth grade students in four intact classes of the elementary school which located in Izmit district of Kocaeli. Two classes were randomly assigned as control and experimental groups. Experimental groups (n = 80) received 5E learning cycle instruction and control groups (n = 80) received traditional instruction. The data were analyzed using multiple analysis of covariances (MANCOVA). While a statistically significant treatment difference with respect to collective dependent variables; understanding of cell concept and epistemological beliefs was found there was no significant difference on attitude toward science. The results indicated that students in the experimental group who were engaged in learning cycle instruction demonstrated significantly better performance over the control group students who were engaged in traditional instruction in students’ understanding of cell concepts and epistemological beliefs.

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Citation Formats
D. Kaynar, “The effect of 5E learning cycle approach on sixth grade students’ understanding of cell concept, attitude toward science and scientific epistemological beliefs,” M.S. - Master of Science, Middle East Technical University, 2007.