The Effectiveness Of Using “Providing Alternative Thinking Strategy (Paths)” Approach In Improving Primary School Students’ Understanding About The Phases Of The Moon And Attitude Towards Learning Science
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Date
2017-08
Authors
Chidambaravelu, Gnana Jothy
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using “Providing Alternative Thinking Strategy (PATHS)’’ approach in improving primary school students’ understanding about the phases of the moon and attitude towards learning science. A total of 58 Year 5 students from a primary school participated in the current study which employed One-way Repeated Measure design. A total of ten PATHS approaches were adapted and integrated into the lessons. Phases of the Moon Concept Test (PMCT), Attitude in Science Questionnaire (ASQ), Phases of the Moon Open Ended Questionnaire (PMOQ) and the semi-structured interview were used to collect the data. The outcome of the One-way Repeated Measure ANOVA of PMCT revealed that students’ understanding about the phases of the moon improved significantly F(1.630, 92.844)=1002.875; p=0.000, eta=0.946. This quantitative finding is supported by the qualitative findings of PMOQ which demonstrated that the students had improved understanding of the concept after integration of PATHS approaches. The One-way Repeated Measure ANOVA of ASQ revealed that there is a significant difference in students overall attitude towards learning science (F(1.117, 63.696)=551.411; p=0.000, eta=0.906 as well as for each constructs included in ASQ. This quantitative finding is supported by the qualitative interview analysis which showed improvement in the aspect of learning science in school, self-concept in science, future participation in science and importance of science. These findings lead to the suggestion to adapt more PATHS approaches into teaching and learning of the phases of the moon specifically and science generally for the students to better understand the science concepts and to develop the positive attitude towards learning science.
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The effectiveness of using , Providing Alternative Thinking Strategy