Augmented reality technology in enhancing learning retention and critical thinking according to STEAM program

Abstract

According to the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) program, this experimental research aims to advocate e-content based on augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance retention learning (LR) and reinforce critical thinking in the intermediate stage in Ha’il, KSA. Then, we study the interaction between the technology of AR design (image/mark) and the mental capacity of learners (high/low) in developing critical thinking (CT) and practical skills, i.e., the interaction between AR (image/mark) and gender. The study’s sample consisted of 120 8th-grade junior high school students from six schools in Ha’il. 63 of the 120 participants are females, while 57 are males. They were divided into 2 control and 8 experimental groups. Our analysis revealed that students’ LR and CT skills after using AR were better than before using AR. The first result we found was that implementing AR in educational realms impacted students’ LR. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were exhibited in overall CT skills between those with high and low mental capacity (MC), favoring those with high MC. Even more interestingly, according to the STEAM program, male students’ outcomes in science learning were more reinforced by AR than females’. Future research could quantify learning outcomes and look at underserved communities. Moreover, future studies could reveal the educational benefits of augmented reality-based active learning.

Bibliometric Analysis: Augmented Reality in Science Education Research Trends

“…Additionally, there are journals from the Q2 quartile, such as Computers in Human Behavior. Table 2 shows that the augmented reality topic is not only focused on specific science education but also related to the Journal of Human-Computer Studies (Heinrich et al, 2023), Journal PLOS ONE (Nakazawa et al, 2023), Journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (Alkhabra et al, 2023), the British Journal of Radiology (Lima et al, 2023), andJournal European Radiology (Farshad-Amacker et al, 2023).…”

Participatory design curriculum promotes engineering design, critical thinking, and creativity for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.

“…Previous related works have adopted critical thinking as a critical factor under various STEAM courses (Alkhabra et al, 2023; Sha et al, 2021). For instance, Sha et al (2021) investigated the disparities in critical-thinking levels among college students with various levels of academic engagement in STEAM courses and revealed that the most critical thinking was displayed by students with a medium level of academic involvement.…”

“…For instance, Sha et al (2021) investigated the disparities in critical-thinking levels among college students with various levels of academic engagement in STEAM courses and revealed that the most critical thinking was displayed by students with a medium level of academic involvement. Alkhabra et al (2023) carried out an experimental study using augmented reality technology to improve eighth graders’ learning retention and critical thinking while gathering data on the learners’ mental capacity. They determined that the learners with high mental capacity exhibited better critical thinking than those with low mental capacity.…”

Effectiveness of the Predict-Observe-Explain (POE) Model in The Physics Electronic Modules to Improve Critical Thinking Skills

“…Two types of modules have been developed in education: electronic and printed. The current information era helps us apply knowledge because it is built on digital technology (Alkhabra et al, 2023). One of the ways that teachers can try to face global challenges is by developing modules realized in digital form (emodules or electronic modules) (Nujuah & Winiarti, 2020).…”