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Impact of a Computer-Based Physics Instruction Program on Pupils' Understanding of Measurement Concepts and Methods Associated with School Science

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Abstract

A set of instructional materials was developed for the teaching of measurement, as part of a classroom innovation for science instruction. This project involved collaborative groupings with the computer as an instructional tool for learners to interact with. A computer-based physics instruction module was developed from a physics course dealing with the concept of measurement. This paper presents the results of an empirical evaluation undertaken over a 6-week period with 118 subjects (ages 12–17) randomly selected Form I pupils in Nakuru district, Kenya. Analysis of the quantitative data showed that the intervention promoted pupils' understanding of measurement concepts and skills, in that the subjects in the treatment groups demonstrated better at the posttests than their counterparts in the true control group. Also, the learning protocols differed markedly in favor of the subjects exposed to the treatment.

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Kiboss, J.K. Impact of a Computer-Based Physics Instruction Program on Pupils' Understanding of Measurement Concepts and Methods Associated with School Science. Journal of Science Education and Technology 11, 193–198 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014673615275

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