The Effectiveness of Gizmos as an Interactive Simulation Tool in Teaching Science 10 to Students of Kaytitinga National High School

Authors

  • Conelisa Navales

Keywords:

computer simulation, educational technology, science education, Gizmos

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In the Philippines, much efforts have been directed to improve science education. However, studies have shown that many of our Filipino students are not attaining functional literacy in science, making them difficult to meet the challenges posed by our rapidly changing world. This study was conducted to explore how learners interpret scientific concepts when demonstrated with animated instructional technologies, specifically computer simulation.

 

METHODS

Selected Grade 10 students from Kaytitinga National High School were used as respondents in the study. The control group was exposed to traditional method of teaching while the experimental group was exposed to Gizmos simulation developed by Explore Learning. Prior to the treatment, a pre-test was administered before the start of third quarter and at the conclusion of the quarter, a post test was given to the same set of students. The result of the pre-test and post-test in each group was recorded and single-factor ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis of data.

 

RESULTS

Both the control and experimental groups have an increase in mean percentage score (MPS) between the pre-test and post-test results. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) shows that there is a significant difference between the MPS ofstudents exposed to computer simulation and students exposed to traditional teaching method. Since the finding is significant, it was further analyzed using the Scheffe's Test to determine where exactly the difference exists. The result shows that there is a significant difference in favor of the group with higher mean.

 

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher concludes that both the control and experimental groups showed positive transfer of learning. However, the improvement in the academic performance of students inexperimental group is greater than those in the control group. Therefore, it can be interpreted that using Gizmos simulation as a tool in teaching Science is effective in enhancing the academic performance of students.

However, using simulations has limitations since they are often outside of the teacher's sphere of influence. It also requires more explanation before the exercise and when completed, requires a careful exposition of what has been learned which can be done by relating the experience of the students to the general principles involved. Nonetheless, simulations can be considered as a very effective approach in engaging students in an interactive science teaching.

Published

2019-01-18