The Content Analysis of Dissertations Completed in the Field of Curriculum and Instruction (2009-2014)

Scopu

Accessing Science Through Media

This qualitative phenomenological study aims to investigate fourth and fifth graders' uses of mass media (TV, newspapers, Internet, magazines) and to assess their various features as sources for science learning. The data were collected from 47 purposefully selected students through focus groups and were analyzed through qualitative analysis using uses and gratifications theory as a conceptual framework. The results indicated that students were active in choosing and utilizing media to meet their cognitive, affective, personal integrative, and social integrative needs. Furthermore accessibility, content, and presentation were the key factors in influencing students' motivation of use of the media

Integrating field-trip activities with other activities in the preschool curriculum: its effects on the preschoolers’ social–emotional skills

Abstract This study used a static-group pretest–posttest design to investigate how the social–emotional skill development of 36 Turkish children aged 48–66 months was affected by the integration of field-trip activities with other activities in their preschool curriculum. It was carried out in two preschool institutions in Ağrı Provincial Directorate for National Education over 12 weeks during the 2015–2016 school year. The experimental group (n = 18) was taken on field trips tailored to activities in the existing preschool curriculum, while for the control group (n = 18), no such interventions were made. The Preschool Social Skill Evaluation Scale—Teacher Form and the Emotional Skill Evaluation Test were used to gather data, and one-way analysis of covariance and paired-samples t-tests was used for data analysis. The pretest scores of the experimental and control groups were not significantly different, whereas their posttest scores indicated a significant positive effect of field-trip activities on the social–emotional skills of children in the experimental group. A follow-up test administered 12 weeks after the posttest found that these positive effects persisted

3D virtual learning environments in education: a meta-review

Karakus Yilmaz, Turkan/0000-0002-5809-3962; Yilmaz, Rabia/0000-0002-0453-1357WOS: 000396188300007The aim of this study is to investigate recent empirical research studies about 3D virtual learning environments. A total of 167 empirical studies that involve the use of 3D virtual worlds in education were examined by meta-review. Our findings show that the "Second Life" platform has been frequently used in studies. Among the reviewed papers, case study designs and quasi-experimental studies were more common. Sample sizes were below 100 for most studies. 3D virtual learning environments are mainly designed for learning support, simulation, and game. Language learning and science have been the most extensively studied topics. Collaborative and exploration-based learning strategies have been used most frequently in 3D virtual learning environments. Presence, satisfaction, communication skills, and engagement were examined as emotional and cognitive achievements.Turkish Science and Technology Institution [111K516]This study was conducted as part of the "Effects of Virtual and Multimedia Environments on Interest and Awareness Toward Winter Sports" project, supported by the Turkish Science and Technology Institution Project, number "111K516"