An Inquiry-Based Learning Approach to a Natural Language Processing Curriculum for Middle-School Students (Poster 1)

• In Event: Thursday Poster Session 12:40 pm
  In Poster Session: Engineering and Computer Science Education Posters

Abstract

In this paper, we shared the enactment and student learning outcomes of a curriculum that was co-designed with teachers to create learning experiences to introduce middle school students to NLP concepts. Through an inquiry-based learning approach the students investivgated a science problem using NLP techniques such as sentiment analysis and keyword extraction to understand ideas of environmental conservation. With the help of a digital platform, they explored datasets on peoples’ opinions on the use of single-use plastic straws and leveraged the different data visualizations generated by the platform to see the application of these NLP techniques. The results of the pre-test/post-test study revealed statistically significant knowledge gain in student learning across all the subconstructs.

Authors

• Srijita Chakraburty, Indiana University

• Hyejeong Lee, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Vanessa Johnson, Indiana University

• Daria Smyslova, North Carolina State University

• Krista D. Glazewski, North Carolina State University

• Cindy E. Hmelo-Silver, Indiana University

• Kristy E. Boyer, University of Florida

• Mehmet Celepkolu, University of Florida

• Gloria Katuka, University of Florida