Date of Award
1-1-1992
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Child and Youth Care Administration
Advisor
Joan Mignerey
Keywords
Science, Elementary, Students
Abstract
This project describes a plan to implement an instructional strategy, with emphasis on hands-on experiences, to improve the science achievement of third- and fourth-grade students in two schools. Hands-on experiences in science occurred between August 1990 and January 1992. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the project components by the practicum manager took place during that time frame. The components of the action plan included workshops and Inservice sessions for third- and fourth-grade teachers. Process oriented tests to assess students' factual knowledge, attitude towards science, and process of science were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the instructional strategy. The practicum project was implemented at Huntingtown and Mutual Elementary Schools; in two of the seven elementary schools in Calvert Count, Maryland. The primary objectives of the practicum project were: (a) to improve the science achievement of third- and fourth-grade students; (b) to reduce the number of students receiving unsatisfactory science grades on their report card; and (c) to increase the effectiveness of third- and fourth-grade teachers in the use of hands-on experiences for science instruction. As a result of implementing the instructional strategy, the number of fourth-grade students receiving unsatisfactory grades on their report cards was decreased from 89 in school year 1989-1990 to 11 in school year 1990-1991. The hands-on approach to teaching science and the use of process-oriented tests improved third- and fourth-grade students' understanding of science concepts and processes of science. Consequently, student achievement as measured by report card grades improved. Third- and fourth-grade teachers' effectiveness in the use of the instructional strategy was enhanced, and the instructional strategy was implemented in all of the county's elementary schools during school year 1991-1992.