Cognitive Achievement and Motivation in Hands‐on and Teacher‐Centred Science Classes: Does an additional hands‐on consolidation phase (concept mapping) optimise cognitive learning at work stations?

Abstract

Our study monitored the cognitive and motivational effects within different educational instruction schemes: On the one hand, teacher‐centred versus hands‐on instruction; on the other hand, hands‐on instruction with and without a knowledge consolidation phase (concept mapping). All the instructions dealt with the same content. For all participants, the hands‐on approach as well as the concept mapping adaptation were totally new. Our hands‐on approach followed instruction based on “learning at work stations”. A total of 397 high‐achieving fifth graders participated in our study. We used a pre‐test, post‐test, retention test design both to detect students' short‐term learning success and long‐term learning success, and to document their decrease rates of newly acquired knowledge. Additionally, we monitored intrinsic motivation. Although the teacher‐centred approach provided higher short‐term learning success, hands‐on instruction resulted in relatively lower decrease rates. However, after six weeks, all students reached similar levels of newly acquired knowledge. Nevertheless, concept mapping as a knowledge consolidation phase positively affected short‐term increase in knowledge. Regularly placed in instruction, it might increase long‐term retention rates. Scores of interest, perceived competence and perceived choice were very high in all the instructional schemes.

Keywords:

• Science education
• Hands‐on
• Intrinsic motivation
• Concept mapping

Acknowledgements

The study was supported by the University of Bayreuth. We are extremely grateful to all the students and teachers who participated in this study. The manuscript has greatly benefited from comments and suggestions by M. Wiseman and two anonymous referees.

Notes

1. In Germany, each federal state has its own school system with its own syllabus.

2. For appendices, see online (http://www.bayceer.uni-bayreuth.de/didaktik-bio/de/pub/pub/71772.Anhang.pdf).