Developing, implementing and evaluating cai materials related to ?radioactivity? topic based on constructivist learning theory

The main aim of this research is to develop, implement and evaluate CAI materials based on four-step model of constructivist learning theory on radioactivity unit in chemistry. The effectiveness of these CAI materials on students? attitude, conceptual understanding and achievement were particularly focused on. The case study approach was used as a research methodology in the study. The sample under investigation comprises of 35 grade 11 students from an Anatolian high school (A) and a general high school (G) in the town center of Görele, Giresun. An Attitude Scale, A Concept Test, An Achievement Test on Radioactivity and a semi-structured interview technique were used as data gathering instruments. The Attitude Scale, the Concept Test on Radioactivity and the Achievement Test on Radioactivity were applied as pre and post-test to each of the study groups. Moreover, interviews were conducted with 12 students who were selected in terms of their achievement as 4 under average and 4 average and 4 above average regarding the degree of their conceptual change. The same students were also interviewed about the efficiency of CAI materials. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to analyze the quantitative data on the other hand the qualitative data was analyzed by using qualitative techniques. The statistical analyses of the data from the tests showed that there was significant difference in favor of the post-test applied on the students in A and G schools. This result indicates positive effects of the CIA materials prepared on the radioactivity unit on students? attitude, conceptual understanding and achievement. In the interviews, it is found out that the treatment got interested by the students. Moreover; it is determined that students realized the importance and relationship of real life on radioactivity. Based on the results some suggestions were made for researchers and educators.