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Effects of group size, gender, and ability grouping on learning science process skills using microcomputers
Author(s) -
Berge Zane L.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of research in science teaching
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.067
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1098-2736
pISSN - 0022-4308
DOI - 10.1002/tea.3660270805
Subject(s) - mathematics education , process (computing) , psychology , science education , microcomputer , multivariate analysis , group (periodic table) , computer science , machine learning , telecommunications , chip , operating system , chemistry , organic chemistry
What are the effects of group size (individuals, pairs, and quads of students), gender, and ability grouping of 245 seventh‐ and eighth‐grade students on achievement within an environment that uses microcomputers as tools in learning science process skills? A split‐plot, multivariate factorial design was used to analyze the above factors and interactions among the factors. Analyses indicated that the only statistically significant result was a main effect on ability for the two response variables measured in the study. Major conclusions included: (1) teams of two and four members working together solved problems as effectively as individuals, (2) the lessons and procedures implemented in the manner described generated a gender‐neutral achievement outcome in science, and (3) microcomputer, using a file‐management program and structured activities, can be used as a tool to promote student learning of science process skills.