A National Study Assessing the Teaching and Learning of Introductory Astronomy; Part II: Analysis of Student Demographics

Computer Science – Learning

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

This is the second in a series of reports on a national study of the teaching and learning of astronomy in general education, non-science major, introductory astronomy courses (Astro 101). We report here on the analysis of how individual student characteristics affect student learning in these classes, and whether the demonstrated positive effect of interactive learning strategies on student learning differs based on these characteristics. This analysis was conducted using data from nearly 2000 students enrolled in 69 Astro 101 classes taught across the country. These students completed a 15-question demographic survey, in addition to completing the 26-question Light and Spectroscopy Concept Inventory (LSCI) pre- and post-instruction. The LSCI was used to determine student learning via a normalized gain calculated for each student. A multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine how ascribed characteristics (personal demographic and family characteristics), obtained characteristics (academic achievement and student major), and the use of interactive learning strategies predict student learning in these classes. The results show dramatic improvement in student learning with increased use of interactive learning strategies even after controlling for individual characteristics. In addition, we find that the positive effects of interactive learning strategies are the same for strong and weak students, men and women, across ethnicities, and regardless of primary language. The research strongly suggests all students benefit from interactive learning strategies.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

A National Study Assessing the Teaching and Learning of Introductory Astronomy; Part II: Analysis of Student Demographics does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A National Study Assessing the Teaching and Learning of Introductory Astronomy; Part II: Analysis of Student Demographics, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A National Study Assessing the Teaching and Learning of Introductory Astronomy; Part II: Analysis of Student Demographics will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-828713

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.