Examining the effect of instruction with dual situated learning model on students' cognitive achievement and conceptual change: Force and motion unit sample

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of teaching "Force and Motion" unit with Dual Situated Learning Model on 7th grade students cognitive learning levels, conceptual change and retention. Pre- experimental research design was used in this study. Student and Teacher guided materials appropriate to Dual Situated Learning Model according to 7th grade force and motion unit including "spring force", "work- energy", "energy types and conservation", "simple machine" and "frictional force" topics are developed. Cognitive learning levels, conceptual change and retention of the developed materials are examined. Pilot study of the instructional materials are done with 22, 7th grade students in a primary school. Main applications are carried out with different 7 th grade students in the same primary school. The sample consists of 23 students. Data are obtained by Force and Motion Unit Conceptual Understanding Test (FMUCUT), Cognitive Domain Force and Motion Unit Achievement Test (CDFMUAT), teacher and student interviews, classroom observations. The quantitative data are analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, Kruskal Wallish H Test, Spearman Correlation Analysis. Qualitative data are analyzed with using qualitative analyze techniques. At the end of applications; it has seen that instruction done with DSLM is successful in increasing students conceptual understanding, conceptual retention is seen in "spring force", "energy types and conservation", "simple machine", conceptual retention has not seen in work- energy and frictional force topics, some of the alternative concepts seen in pre test has removed in post and retention test. Some suggestions, depending on the results obtained are given to the researchers and educators who work in this field. Key Words: Dual Situated Learning Model, Force and Motion, Spring Force, WorkEnergy, Energy Types and Conservation, Simple Machine, Frictional Force