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Teaching Science for Understanding: The Positive Impact of Simultaneous Use of Concept Mapping and Computer Simulations

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Innovating with Concept Mapping (CMC 2016)

Part of the book series: Communications in Computer and Information Science ((CCIS,volume 635))

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Abstract

Concept map as an effective tool allows learners to deal with an in depth analysis rather than keeping more information which is transferred through lecture based teaching. Concept map also improves the efficiency of computer assisted simulation techniques in learning environments. This research especially focuses on effectiveness of a computer simulated environment and concept mapping and its effect on conceptual understanding of science. In this study, we selected 60 high school students and divided them into two groups (30 students in Group A and 30 students in Group B). The goal of this research is to investigate how the concept maps influence the learning of Direct Current (DC) concept in electric circuits. We collected data by using Determining and Interpreting Resistive Electric Circuit Concepts Test (DIRECT). Covariance analysis indicates significant difference between two groups. Adjusted pretest scores also approve the significant effect of learning with simulation plus concept map in comparison with the sole simulation among learners (Partial eta Squared = 0.08; F = 4.84; p < 0.03). We conclude that students who used simulation along with a concept map (group B) showed better learning than students who used only a simulation software.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Physics Education Technology (PhET).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

    Mohammad Hassanzadeh, Javad Hatami, Saeed Latifi, Mohammad Reza Farrokhnia & Tahereh Saheb

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  1. Mohammad Hassanzadeh
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  2. Javad Hatami
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  3. Saeed Latifi
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  4. Mohammad Reza Farrokhnia
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  5. Tahereh Saheb
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohammad Hassanzadeh .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Inst. for Human and Machine Cognition , Pensacola, Florida, USA

    Alberto Cañas

  2. Tallinn University , Tallinn, Estonia

    Priit Reiska

  3. Inst. for Human and Machine Cognition , Pensacola, Florida, USA

    Joseph Novak

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Hassanzadeh, M., Hatami, J., Latifi, S., Farrokhnia, M.R., Saheb, T. (2016). Teaching Science for Understanding: The Positive Impact of Simultaneous Use of Concept Mapping and Computer Simulations. In: Cañas, A., Reiska, P., Novak, J. (eds) Innovating with Concept Mapping. CMC 2016. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 635. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45501-3_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45501-3_15

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-45500-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-45501-3

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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