Poster #5 - Supporting Scientific Thinking in Middle School: Impact of Expert Video Models on Students' Collaborative Processing

• In Event: 15.062 - MTCC Poster Session One
  In Poster Session: 15.062-1 - Computer-Based Experts and Models

Abstract

This study examined the impact of an expert video model in a digital learning environment on students' scientific thinking about objects. Middle-school students generated observations, inferences, and questions about a 3D model of a fossil, then watched an online video of a paleontologist modeling her analysis of the fossil. Students went on to analyze two additional fossils. Verbal protocol analysis was used to examine students’ collaborative conversations before and after video modeling. The expert video model supported students in moving beyond simple observations to hypothesis and evaluation, but evaluation without supporting evidence continued to occur. Findings show promise in using expert videos for observational learning in science, but additional models may be needed to ensure depth of student processing.

Authors

• Michelle Hudson, Brigham Young University

• Kirsten R. Butcher, University of Utah

• Madlyn Runburg, Natural History Museum of Utah