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Middle school students’ experiences during an enquiry-based learning project. Jamshid Beheshti, Charles Cole, Andrew Large Dhary Abuhimed, Isabelle Lamoureux School of Information Studies McGill University. Outline. Objective Background Framework Methodology Results Conclusion.
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Middle school students’ experiences during an enquiry-based learning project Jamshid Beheshti, Charles Cole, Andrew Large Dhary Abuhimed, Isabelle Lamoureux School of Information Studies McGill University
Outline • Objective • Background • Framework • Methodology • Results • Conclusion Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Objective • To determine cognitive and affective experiences of high school students during information seeking process for an enquiry-based learning project • Phase 1 of a larger project • Design intervention agents to assist students in their information seeking process Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Background • Children and teens are technology savvy, but • Lack basic information literacy skills • Fast searchers, but spend little time in evaluating information • Relevance of information • Accuracy of information • Authority of information • Poor understanding of their information needs • Difficulty in formulating effective search strategies • Use natural language for searching • Difficulty in assessing relevance of a long list of hits • Unsophisticated mental models Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Framework: Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process • Tasks Initiation Selection Exploration Formulation Collection Presentation • ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------→ • Feelings uncertainly optimism confusion clarity sense of satisfaction or • (affective) frustration direction/ disappointment • doubt confidence • Thoughts vague-------------------------------------→focused • (cognitive) -----------------------------------------------→ • increased interest • Actions seeking relevant information----------------------------→seeking pertinent information • (physical) exploring documenting Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Methodology • Private English-language high school in Montreal • Grade 8 • History Night project • Two classes • 44 students • Demographic/information survey • 18 (41%) girls and 26 (59%) boys • 93% English as their first language • Claimed average of 6 years of Internet experience Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Demographics Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Methodology • Task • History Night Project • Groups / Individual projects • 11 groups / 11 individuals • Choose a historical topic • Research • Submit a Thesis Statement • Choose a format for the a presentation • Present in class • Presentation night • Mid-February – End of May Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Methodology: instrument From the adjectives below, check (√) those that describe how you feel at this point in the project: ____ (2) Disappointed ____ (7) Doubtful ____ (3) Frustrated ____ (8) Optimistic ____ (4) Relieved ____ (9) Satisfied ____ (5) Sure ____ (10) Uncertain ____ (1) Confident ____ (6) Confused ____ (11) Other_______________ Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Methodology: instrument What are you thinking now? ____ I should identify several possible topics (13) ____ I should seek information about my specific topic (14) ____ I should discuss my ideas with my classmates (15) ____I should discuss the project with my parents/brothers/sisters (16) ____I should discuss my ideas with my teacher (17) ____ I should choose a topic that has the potential for success (1) ____I should choose a topic that interests me (2) ____ I should organize my thoughts and ideas (3) ____ I should become informed about the topic (5) ____ I should understand the task before me (6) ____I should choose a topic that takes the least amount of time to complete the project (8) ____ I should get more interested and involved in ideas (9) ____ I should gain a sense of direction and clarity (10) Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Analysis • Based on weekly surveys • 30 dichotomous variables • 22 included in the final analysis • Cronbach’s alpha = 0.746 • consistency • Factor analysis • 7 major components 5 Factors • Goals, Organization, Consultation, Positive emotion, and Negative emotion Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Results: Confidence Level F=1.966, df=11,397, p=0.030 Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Factor I: Goals/Objectives Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Factor II: Knowledge/Information Management Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Factor III: Consultation Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Factor IV: Positive Emotions Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Factor V: Negative Emotions Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Conclusions • Under imposed task: • Five major factors • Goals/objectives • Knowledge / Information management • Consultation • Positive emotions • Negative emotions Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Phase II • Bonded Design Methodology • Design team • 7 students and 5 researchers • Developed a low-tech prototype research guide • Brainstorming for a topic • General research • Specific research • Thesis statement • HN project (2012) • Research Guide was used by 100 grade eight students • Observed two grade 8 classes • Weekly surveys, interviews • Currently, data collection phase Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
Thank you • Questions, Comments, Suggestions, Criticisms, Compliments... • Acknowledgements • Our gratitude to • the school, teachers, and the students • SSHRC Cognitive Computer Science Conference 2012
