Impact of Explicit Engagement in Argumentation Skills on Lebanese Grade 8 Argument Levels and Achievement

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 2:30 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Middle-Grades Science Teaching and Learning (Table 10)

Abstract

This study examines argumentation and its impact on Grade 8 Lebanese students' achievement and the development of high-level arguments during an immunology unit. Five argumentation activities were conducted, encompassing both scientific and socio-scientific issues. Results indicate that students struggled with generating counterarguments but performed better in scientific contexts. Higher argumentation skills positively correlated with improved academic achievement. The study highlights the importance of explicit evidence in guiding students' reasoning and the need to consider various factors in designing effective argumentation interventions. These findings contribute valuable insights to argumentation research in the Lebanese educational context and emphasize the significance of integrating student-centered argumentation activities to foster reasoning skills essential for addressing science-related issues.

Authors

• Ihsan Ghazal, Texas Christian University

• Hayat Hokayem, Texas Christian University

• Saouma B. Boujaoude, American University of Beirut