"Assessing the Learning and Transfer of Data Collection Inquiry Skills Using Educational Data Mining on Students’ Log Files"

• In Event: Assessing Students Using New Learning Technologies

Abstract

To date, few studies have been conducted that analyze the development of scientific inquiry skills across domains. In this paper, we explored whether practicing two inquiry skills associated with data collection, designing controlled experiments and testing stated hypotheses, within microworlds for one physical science domain (density) impacted acquisition in another such domain (phase change). Analyses revealed that practicing these skills in density activities improves acquisition of skill in the phase change activities, particularly for designing controlled experiments.

Authors

• Michael A. Sao Pedro, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• Janice D. Gobert, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• Ryan S. Baker, Worcester Polytechnic Institute