Identifier

etd-07082014-113259

Degree

Master of Natural Sciences (MNS)

Department

Natural Sciences (Interdepartmental Program)

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

ABSTRACT The goal of my research is to determine if the Jigsaw Method has an effect on student conceptual knowledge of Physical Science in a classroom setting that predominately uses cooperative learning. The assessment instruments that were given in pretest and posttest format to assess student knowledge were the Matter Concept Inventory (MCI) and Edusoft Assessments. The research study group consisted of two sections of a ninth grade Physical Science class (N = 42) in a rural high school in Louisiana. As an intervention prior to the study, students were introduced to working in cooperative learning groups. The students in the experimental group used the jigsaw method as a cooperative learning strategy to acquire knowledge of content material. The information acquired was redelivered to their peers in small group settings. Due to mandates that required that cooperative learning be used in all classes, the control group members learned the material as a small group, but the information was divided and presented to the class a whole. The data was collected and analyzed using independent t-test analysis. The result did not prove that the jigsaw method solely increased student conceptual learning of Physical Science. This study did however show that some form of cooperative learning does increase students’ conceptual understanding of Physical Science.

Date

2014

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Hopkins, John B

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1293

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