Hands-On Activities Affecting Test Performance Among Grade 4, 8, and 12 Students

• In Event: Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Papers. NAEP From the Student Perspective: Examinations of Test Performance Impacts

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of hands-on lab activities on students’ understanding and achievement, as measured by their performance on a standardized science test. The study investigated whether hands-on activities improved student test scores, and whether hands-on activities which promote problem-solving using scientific method improved student test scores. Amongst Grade 4 students, it was found that their test scores decreased if they had completed more hands-on activities. Meanwhile, the Grade 8 and 12 students had mixed results. Results for the hands-on problem solving activities using the scientific method had mixed results among all grade levels.

Authors

• Man-Wai Chu, University of Alberta

• Julieta Soledad Delos Santos, University of Alberta