Discovery Learning for the 21st Century: An Action Research Study
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Authors
Castronova, Joyce
Issue Date
2001-12
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
WebQuest , Online instructional tool , Traditional class
Alternative Title
Abstract
An action research study was conducted at a suburban elementary school in which the use
of a WebQuest, an online instructional tool based on discovery learning, was compared to the
use of a traditional, didactic- method of teaching the same lesson. Areas that were compared
include areas of achievement, student engagement, and student interactions with teachers and
other students while working in cooperative groups. The lesson was on the reasons for the
South's secession during the Civil War. Four classes made up of 87 5th grade students and 4
teachers participated in the study. In the study, it was found that there was little or no difference
in achievement between the two groups. Students were more engaged in learning in the classes
taught using a WebQuest. The interactions of the students with their teachers and peers were
found to be at a higher order of thinking in the class using a WebQuest, and the students in the
WebQuest classes also had more interactions pertaining to the topic than the students in the
traditionally taught classes.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Valdosta State University
License
Copyright protected. Unauthorized reproduction or use beyond the exceptions granted by the Fair Use clause of U.S. Copyright law may violate federal law.