Learning Science Through Mass Media: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into Fourth and Fifth Graders’ Experiences

• In Event: Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Early Childhood and Elementary Science Education

Abstract

The aim of this phenomenological study is to investigate 4th and 5th graders’ uses of mass media sources (TV, newspaper, internet, and magazines) and various features of those sources in science learning. The data were collected through focus group interviews with 12 students and observations in science classes and analyzed with MAXQDA software. Drawing upon uses and gratifications theory (UGT), results of the study indicated students were active in choosing and utilizing appropriate sources in science learning. The results revealed that students used various media to satisfy their cognitive, affective, personal, and social integrative needs. They used media sources for (a) homework/project assignments, (b) individual science related research, and (c) distribution of science related findings.

Authors

• Sevinc Gelmez Burakgazi, Kocaeli University

• Ali Yildirim, Middle East Technical University - Northern Cyprus Campus