Is Learning by Teaching Effective in Gaining 21st Century Skills? The Views of Pre-Service Science Teachers

Abstract

Learning by teaching is an educational method developed by Jean-Pol Martin for foreign language lessons and is commonly used in Germany. This study discusses a reconstruction of learning by teaching as developed for use in a science context where in the adapted version of this method is introduced, the views of pre-service science teachers are explored, and the effectiveness of this method for gaining 21st century skills is examined. The qualitative case study was conducted with 33 pre-service science teachers. Data was gathered through focus group discussions and structured written interviews, and analyzed using content analysis. The views of preservice science teachers were examined concerning the advantages of the following 11 themes: the advantages of learning by teaching, preparing research questions and working together to find answers through research, preparing and implementing activities, the role of the teacher, a letter writing activity, the strengths of learning by teaching, the weaknesses of learning by teaching, difficulties faced during its implementation, the use of learning by teaching in teacher-training programs, other lessons appropriate for the use of learning by teaching, and how to apply the experiences gained to the future. Following a two-year pilot study and implementation of the final version, learning by teaching within the context of science was found to be an effective method for gaining 21st century skills.

Effectiveness of Brain-Based Learning for Grade Eight Students’ Direct and Postponed Retention in Science

“…Therefore, the possession of knowledge or skills is no longer sufficient to overcome these challenges without utilising different cognitive capabilities in various life situations (Aslan, 2015). As a result, helping individuals to achieve their highest potential has been prioritised in different educational systems.…”

Learning by Teaching: Can It Be Utilized to Develop Inquiry Skills?

“…Inquiry skills are of significance because they are one of the 21st century skills and they hold to be the source for the implementation of other 21 st century skills. The 21 st century skills are generally categorized under three settings, which are learning and innovation, digital literacy, and life and career skills (Aslan, 2015;Chu, Reynolds, Tavares, Notari, & Lee, 2016, p.8;Trilling & Fadel, 2009; The Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2015). When these settings of skills are considered together with their components (The Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2015), it becomes evident that inquiry skills also need to be used for the implementation of these skills.…”

“…When these settings of skills are considered together with their components (The Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2015), it becomes evident that inquiry skills also need to be used for the implementation of these skills. For example, digital literacy involves components such as information literacy that involves the skills of gaining access to, interpreting, using and managing information; media literacy that involves the skills of analyzing media and creating media products; and technology literacy that involves efficient use of technology and of means and/or networks of communication in order to reach, manage, integrate, interpret and compose information (Aslan, 2015;Chu et al, 2016, p.22;Trilling & Fadel, 2009;The Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2015). Based on the information heretofore, it can be argued that digital literacy is based upon the inquiry of information.…”

“…There are two ways to learn in learning by teaching: learning for teaching and learning while teaching (Aslan, 2015). Learning for teaching differs from learning for the purpose of passing an exam or a test, and it involves different mental processes (Duran, 2016).…”

“…Duran, 2016). Learning while teaching, on the other hand, offers different opportunities, one of which is to teach with their own strategies, methods or techniques (Aslan, 2015). Explaining something to others is an important way to revise knowledge mentally, build a connection between thoughts and combine them (Duran, 2016).…”