Knowledge Organization With Multiple External Representations: A Mixed-Methods Study

• In Event: 63.084 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-5 - Science Education Pedagogies 1

Abstract

Scientists use multiple external representations (MER) as advance knowledge organizers to communicate their claims about scientific phenomena. In science classrooms, where representational practices are adopted as fundamental tools, students need to learn organizing knowledge in the forms of representations that reflect their understanding, similar to that of scientists. However, still little is known about how learners organize knowledge with MER. In this study, the learners used a web- based hypertext platform that included three representational modes to organize knowledge on nuclear energy topic. The results indicated that Wiki and ConceptMap modes were both more utilized and had higher conceptual and technical qualities than pictorial representations. These two modes were also better means to create a knowledge network. Implications are discussed.

Authors

• Bahadir Namdar, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University

• Ji Shen, University of Miami