Examining Science Learning and Attitude by At-Risk Students After They Used a Multimedia-Enriched Problem-Based Learning Environment

Abstract

Most of the previous problem-based learning (PBL) studies have been conducted with gifted or regular education students and have shown successes. However, little research on PBL exists for disadvantaged middle school students, especially students who are considered to be at risk of failing academically. In this study, we examined the use of a multimedia-enriched PBL science environment by at-risk middle school students. The results, using a mixed-methods design, showed that these students significantly improved their science knowledge and attitude toward science after they engaged in PBL learning. While there were no differences in the scores between the genders, the gain scores from pre-to post-tests in science knowledge and attitude toward science for the girls were larger. A strong positive relationship between attitude toward science and science knowledge was also found. Such research should provide much needed insights on the effect of PBL for all students, not only the gifted but also the underrepresented populations.

Investigating the science attitudes of students from low socioeconomic status families: The impact of problem‐based learning

“…More specifically, this study was carried out in a school located in a region where socioeconomic developmental level was below the average. One of the few studies on PBL for disadvantaged students showed that multimedia‐enriched problem‐based learning environment enhanced these students' attitudes toward science 9 . The researchers also found that there was a positive association between science knowledge and attitude toward science.…”

“…On the other hand, when the goals of science education are examined, it is seen, that not only improvements in students' outcomes in cognitive domain but also in affective domain are emphasized 8 . Among the outcomes in affective domain, attitude emerges as an important factor in students' motivation and performance 9 . In addition, students' attitudes are argued to have great influence on their future career choices 10 .…”

“…However, participants of the majority of the available studies examining effectiveness of the PBL in K‐12 settings were either regular or gifted education students. Thus, there is a need for investigating whether the observed benefits of the PBL apply to disadvantaged or at‐risk students as well 9 . Indeed, Gallagher and Gallagher 17 reported that a small number of studies explored PBL for disadvantaged middle school students.…”

The Effects of an Online Teaching Material Integrated Methods on Students’ Science Achievement, Attitude and Retention

“…Inquiry-based learning is more effective than non-inquiry-based learning methods in academic achievement in science and mathematics courses (Kogan & Laursen, 2014;Wilson, Taylor, Kowalski, & Carlson, 2010). The effects of the inquiry method on learning may be increased with technology support (Lee, Linn, Varma, & Liu, 2010;Liu, Liu, Pan, Zou, & Li, 2019;Merritt, Lee, Rillero, & Kinach, 2017).…”

Development of Multimedia Lectora Inspire Integrated Problem Based Learning on Carbohydrate Topic for Department of Agrotechnology Students

“…Though the learning process will be better if it is support by the use of adequate media. Learners will interact directly with learning resources with the help of media that can lead to the achievement of the learning goals [5].…”