Effectiveness of a Constructivist-Based Science Camp for Gifted Secondary Students

• In Event: 61.062 - Constructivist Research and Teaching Trends

Abstract

Constructivist-based pedagogy is particularly applicable to gifted secondary students in the sciences, due to the increased background knowledge of the population and the nature of the study of science. This research studied the effectiveness of a residential Constructivist-based summer learning experience focusing on Aquatic Biology and Biomedicine for gifted secondary students. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to analyze the data, and showed that the program significantly increased both scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of science among participants. There was no change in academic self-concept of the participants. Qualitative results supported these findings and demonstrated the importance of social relationships to the effectiveness of the program. These results have implications for researchers in Constructivist theory, science and gifted education.

Authors

• Hope Elisabeth Wilson, University of North Florida

• Brian P. Zoellner, University of North Florida