Exploring the Effect of Using Models via Learning Stations on Students' Engagement and Achievement in Circulatory System

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Through the years, the importance of Science increased noticeably. It is often perceived to be of great importance because of its links to technology and industry which may be areas with high priority for development. However, students usually find Science, as a subject, to be abstract and contained in a complex language. A way to solve this dilemma facing Science education is to make it more authentic. This study explored the effect of using models via learning stations on students' engagement and achievement in Circulatory System.

METHODS

A Grade 9 class, composed of 44 students in Carmona National High School in Carmona, Cavite, participated in the study. A pretest was given to gauge their prior knowledge about the topic. Different models were utilized in each learning station during the execution of the lesson. A posttest was also administered after the classroom instruction to assess their achievement. The achievement of the students was analyzed by comparing the results of pretest and posttest mean scores via t-test. On the other hand, students' engagement was measured by interpreting the results of the Likert-type scale and reflective journal.

RESULTS

The pretest had a mean score of 11.93 while the posttest had a mean score of 15.41 having a t-value of 8.33 which is significant at p<0.001. In terms of engagement, students were found to enjoy working in stations, understood the lesson more easily and thought that they contributed to lessons through working hard and active participation, and indicated that this method would help lessons to be retained more in their minds. These findings were supported by the positive feedbacks from the students.

DISCUSSIONS

The analysis of data using t-testfor dependent means indicated that there was an improvement in the achievement of the students after the implementation of the strategy. In terms of students' engagement, students enjoyed working in stations because they can visualize and manipulate the models. The use of models via learning stations positively impacts students' engagement and achievement. Hence, the continuous use of this method is recommended as it promotes active learning among the students.