Promoting Socioscientific Literacy in Middle-Grade Students Through an Educational Problem-Based Learning Simulation

• In Event: Science and Inquiry in Technology-Based Learning Environments

Abstract

The GlobalEd 2 (GE2) is a web-based educational simulation designed to promote science knowledge and socio-scientific literacy, interest in science pursuits and science self-efficacy among students situated in an international context. Results are reported for three parallel 2014-15 simulations of 929 middle-grade students (GE2 Ss & Comparison Ss) regarding an 18 item socio-scientific literacy instrument. Results of a RMANOVA with a pre/post test demonstrated a significant GE2 effect in socio-scientific literacy over the comparison Ss (p=.002). No significant interaction effects were found for gender or race/ethnicity (p>.05). Results are discussed within the context of PBL and gaming contexts as an educational tool in STEM education.

Authors

• Scott W. Brown, University of Connecticut

• Kimberly A. Lawless, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Sarah D. Newton, University of Connecticut