The effects of authentic learning practices on problem-solving skills and attitude towards science courses


AYNAS N., Aslan M.

Journal of Learning for Development, cilt.8, sa.1, ss.146-161, 2021 (Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 8 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2021
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Learning for Development
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.146-161
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Attitudes towards science courses, Authentic learning, Authentic task, Problem-solving skills, The curriculum of science courses
  • Hakkari Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aims to investigate the effects of authentic learning methods — applied in science courses — on the problem-solving skills and attitudes towards those courses. As a research design, a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test control groups was used in the study. The data of the study were collected from 92 students at the level of 6th grade in Van, Turkey in the 2017-2018 academic year. As data collection tools, the Problem-Solving Skills Test and Science Attitude Scale were used throughout the study. During the data analysis phase, descriptive statistics, one-factor analysis of variance for unrelated samples, t-test for related samples, Kruskal Wallis-H and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were used. As a result of the study, it was realised that there was a significant difference between the experimental group and control groups' problem-solving skills total scores in favour of the experimental group. Furthermore, it was ascertained that authentic learning practices improved the problem-solving skills of the experimental group students to a significant extent. In terms of attitude points towards science, it was determined that the post-test scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than the control groups and authentic learning practices had a positive effect on attitude.