A pilot study on how context-based learning impacts students environmental awareness

Sara H. Kyne, Christopher Thompson

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstract

Abstract

In most Australian university systems, students complete broad undergraduate degrees, and therefore the first year modules are fairly general. These foundational subjects lend themselves to context-based learning (CBL) approaches, which aim for students to learn about a particular subject and how it is relevant to their own lives (Pilot & Bulte, 2006).
One model for CBL described by Gilbert (2007) is that of context as the social circumstances. This model relates to topics and activities of importance to communities and is based on situated learning (Greeno, 1998) and activity theory (Vygotsky, 1978). 
This project seeks to evaluate the impact CBL can have on chemistry student’s environmental awareness and associated behavioural changes. An instrument has been developed to collect data from a large first year undergraduate chemistry cohort who have exposure to a contextualised curriculum. The online survey incorporates multiple choice and open-response questions. The questions are designed to assess environmental awareness, empathy and resulting changes in actions.
Original languageEnglish
Pages58
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 7 Oct 2019
EventAustralian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education 2019: Student Experience and Student Stories - The University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Duration: 2 Oct 20194 Oct 2019
Conference number: 25
http://www.acds-tlcc.edu.au/events/acsme-2/previous-conference-publications/

Conference

ConferenceAustralian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education 2019
Abbreviated titleACSME 2019
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period2/10/194/10/19
Internet address

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