Does It Work in the Real World? Implementing an Extracurricular Science Intervention

• In Event: Research in Science Learning and Teaching

Abstract

The fostering of an adequate understanding of science is a normative goal of science education. Based on the relevance of the promotion of young children’s understanding of science, a corresponding intervention was developed and successfully evaluated under controlled conditions. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of this intervention when implemented into practice. We applied a randomized block design with waitlist control groups and repeated measures. Ten different course instructors and 117 third- and fourth-grade students participated in this study. The results revealed that children assigned to the intervention compared with children assigned to the waitlist control group showed better inquiry-related methodological competencies and a higher cognitive motivation. The findings point to the successful implementation of the intervention.

Authors

• Julia Schiefer, University of Tübingen

• Jessika Golle, University of Tübingen

• Maike Tibus, University of Tübingen

• Ulrich Trautwein, University of Tubingen

• Kerstin Oschatz, University of Tübingen