Using Computer Assisted Instruction to Compare the Inventive Model and the Radical Constructivist Approach to Teaching Physics |
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| Authors: | Rezaei Ali Reza Katz Larry |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Educational Technology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York;(2) Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4 |
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| Abstract: | This paper introduces a new way of evaluating instructional strategies by using computers. Two basic theories, instructivism and constructivism, are discussed and critically evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in conceptual learning. Despite the current popularity of constructivism, the radical form of it is criticized in this paper. The advantages and limitations of these two approaches, especially the radical forms of constructivism, are outlined. After borrowing some ideas from other effective conceptual change models, an integrative model for conceptual learning (the Inventive Model) is introduced. Two versions of multimedia physics software are developed by the authors. The first version is based on the Inventive Model and the second version based on a radical constructivist model. The effectiveness of the Inventive Model was compared with the radical constructivist approach and conventional science instruction. Students' log files were analyzed to investigate the nature and the processes of the conceptual change. A conceptual test and a knowledge test were used to compare the groups. The quantitative results showed the superiority of the Inventive Model over the other models in conceptual learning and the superiority of conventional instruction in learning the basic knowledge. The qualitative analysis showed that only the Inventive Model lead to coherent conceptual learning. It was concluded that the process of conceptual change is gradual and continuous. Analysis of students' log files revealed no moments of dramatic change in students' conceptions. |
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| Keywords: | conceptual learning conceptual change computer assisted instruction constructivism Inventive Model |
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