Combining hands-on and minds-on learning with interactive diagrams in primary science education
Publicatie - augustus 2024
In this paper, we present a new pedagogical approach intertwining practical experiments (hands-on learning) and interactive diagrams (minds-on learning) for use in primary science education (9-12 years). We have developed four lessons based around three scientific reasoning skills: cause-and-effect relationships (Seasons, Sound), classification (Fixings & Animals), and system decomposition (Bicycle). Hands-on and minds-on learning was orchestrated through a stepwise alternation between experiments and interactive diagrams.
Thinking back and forth between observing physical phenomena and developing scientific ideas, also known as hands-on and minds-on learning, is essential for the development of scientific reasoning in primary science education. In the Netherlands, inquiry-based learning is advocated as the preferred teaching method. However, most teachers lack time and sufficient pedagogical content knowledge to adequately provide the teaching required for this. To address this problem, we designed and evaluated science and technology lessons, consisting of hands-on experiments combined with interactive diagrams, aimed at scaffolding primary school students (9–12 years) in the development of their scientific reasoning. Our proof-of-concept uses an online application, that lets students work through the lessons while alternating hands-on and minds-on activities. A study was carried out (n = 490) showing that most students successfully complete the lessons within a standard lesson timeframe. The approach enables students to effectively apply several types of scientific reasoning and to do so more autonomously than in traditional science classes.
Authors
- Tom van Eijck
- Bert Bredeweg
- Joanna Holt
- Monique Pijl
- Anders Bouwer
- Anna Hotze
- Edith Louman
- Asma Ouchchahd
- Malou Sprinkhuizen
Funding
The research presented here was co-funded by the Dutch Regieorgaan SIA, https://regieorgaan-sia.nl/, project Minds-On, grant number RAAK.PUB06.033, https://www.minds-on.nl/