Constructivist Approach to Learning Activity: The Case of Junior Secondary Students’ Misconception on the Three States of Matter in Basic Science, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper focuses on the misconceptions of students on the states of matter and suggests the need for scienceteachers to adopt the 7E model in order to reduce these misconceptions and promote students’ learning. The paperdevelops and proposes a learning activity based on a systematic review of scholarly articles, thesis, and curriculumthat investigated the subject matter. The 7E model consists of phases such as elicit, engage, explore, explain,elaborate, evaluate, and extend. The researchers prepared a specific lesson plan on identifying the properties andstructures of states of matter using the 7Es learning cycle specifying the teacher’s activities and the correspondingstudents’ activities. The 7E model is recommended for teaching states of matter based on studies that found theapproach to be effective in helping students eliminate scientific misconception and improve understanding.

7 E’s of Constructivism in E-learning Skills of University Faculty

“…This 7E Inquiry-Based Learning is aptly supported by the learning approaches such as Problem Solving, Experiment, Sightseeing-Observation, Brainstorming, Example Case, Question-Answer, Simulation, Role Play, Group Work, Discussion and Presentation [33]. The 7E model is blended with various suggested approaches and strategies such as hands-on activities, student-centred learning, inquiry, collaborative learning, problem solving, constructing own knowledge from multiple sources, and sharing ideas in different ways as well as judging and respecting other ideas [34].…”