Validation of an Instrument for Measuring High School Students' Interdisciplinary Understanding in Science Education

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 31
  In Roundtable Session: Methodological Innovations in Researching Science Learning

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate grade 10 and Grade 11 students’ interdisciplinary understanding and influencing factors. Students’ interdisciplinary understanding was assessed by using eight single-choice and four constructed-response items (N students=391). The results of Rasch analysis showed that the items were in generally good properties. Finally, the results indicated that high school students’ interdisciplinary understanding was limited. The findings revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between grade; and there was no significant gender difference in terms of interdisciplinary understanding. The study sheds light on validating instruments in assessing student interdisciplinary understanding and it also provides suggestions of teaching.

Authors

• Yu Lan, East China Normal University

• Zuhao Wang, East China Normal University

• Shaohui Chi, East China Normal University