Students study the phenomenon of planet overheat. Learning based on problem solving

Anna Baratsi-Barakou
(Secondary Education, 1st Gymnasium of Gerakas)

Paper in National Conference proceedings

Greek

This work presents the design and application of an interdisciplinary approach to teaching the phenomenon of the planet overheating (known as greenhouse effect). Several previous works have shown that pupils have major misconceptions related with the causes and consequences of this effect. The teaching methodology was based on the PBL (problem-based learning) approach and followed the model structure of the 7E’s learning cycle. Three different instructional tools were employed: two experimental activities, a video with photos of Antarctica and a documentary feature. This project was put into practice in 3rd year lower-secondary school pupils (14-15 years old). The evaluation of the project showed an increased interest of the pupils to scientific issues related to real life phenomena. However, it remains difficult to overpass the descriptive level of understanding and reach to the more complex explanatory model of thinking.

The paper presents an interdisciplinary teaching approach of physical sciences based on the theory of social constructivism by the tool of problem-based learning. This methodology develops the students’ self esteem, encourages creative thinking, makes use of the students’ previous knowledge, motivates the student and develops his/her exploratory/inquiring abilities, encompasses knowledge from different courses of the curriculum and as a result sets the foundation for life long learning.

http://www.uowm.gr/kodifeet/?q=el/node/225

Dr. Irene Petsimeri

T.E.I of Ionian Islands

Researcher