Ben Chang｜Graduate Institute of Learning and Instruction, National Central University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan｜bchang.tw@gmail.com
Jo-Yu Huang｜Graduate Institute of Learning and Instruction, National Central University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
▌Abstract
In this study, the authors integrate a computer simulation technology and the POE (Prediction-Observation-Explanation) learning approach into a revised model named PSOE (Prediction-Simulation-Observation-Explanation). To evaluate the PSOE learning approach performance, an experiment lasting for seven weeks was conducted in which sixty junior high school students were involved. To provide the students the simulation environment, a platform, Algodoo, developed by Algoryx Company, was adopted in which the students cloud explore and observer the simulation results by manipulating the simulation parameters. Moreover, to explore the human factors affected learning performance, field-dependent and field-independent cognitive style students were employed. The experimental results indicated that the field-independent students had higher score comparing to the field-dependent students. Meanwhile, the students demonstrated lower score in the Explanation stage comparing to the other three inquiry stages. The study also revealed that the students’ science attitudes were improved after adopting PSOE inquiry-based learning activity.
Keywords: Inquiry-based Learning, PSOE Model, Computer Simulation, Cognitive Style