Exploration of Shared Epistemic Agency in the Context of Knowledge-Building Activities of Middle School Students

• In Event: 18.072 - Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: 18.072-10 - Understanding Science Learning

Abstract

This case study presents an exploration of shared epistemic agency in the context of knowledge-building activities of middle school students. Central to this exploration has been understanding what actions that are indicative of shared epistemic agency emerged in a middle school context. The study was conducted with 60 sixth graders in three classrooms. Data were collected from multiple sources consisting of records of student participation in classroom and in virtual space, student-created artifacts, and non-participant observations. Methodologically, a grounded theory approach was used to analyze qualitative data and identify actions indicative of shared epistemic agency. The findings showed that 13 epistemic actions and 2 regulative actions emerged in students’ knowledge-building activities.

Authors

• Mahir Akgun, The Pennsylvania State University

• Priya Sharma, The Pennsylvania State University