How Does Fidelity of Implementation Impact Students’ Understanding of Energy?

• In Event: Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Poster Fair A: Examining Student Outcomes

Abstract

In implementing technology-enhanced inquiry instruction, teachers make complex decisions as they customize instruction to their classroom situations. In this study we investigate how ten 6th grade teachers and their students implement online inquiry science units focused on complex energy concepts. We found that fidelity of implementation, measured primarily by the percentage of steps that students complete in the curriculum unit, is correlated to student outcomes measured at the end of the school year. We also found that teachers’ online comments to students have a complex impact on student performance. We discuss the implications of this research for professional development and instructional decision-making.

Authors

• Jonathan Michael Vitale, University of California - Berkeley

• Julio Cabrera, Educational Testing Service

• Ou Lydia Liu, ETS

• Hee-Sun Lee, University of California - Santa Cruz

• Marcia Linn, University of California - Berkeley