The effect of active learning applications on students? self direct learning and critical thinking skills, self-efficacy and achievement

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of active learning applications on eight grade students? self direct learning skills, critical thinking skills, self efficacy towards science and technology course and achievement.Experimental design was used in the study. The study was implemented in a state-run primary school in Buca, İzmir in spring semester of 2008-2009. 64 students participated in the student study group in all, consisting 30 students in the experimental group and 34 students in the control group. The study lasted 10 weeks. The lessons were performed according to active learning applications in the experimental group, whereas in the control group the lessons were performed according to regular 2006 MEB Science and Technology course teaching programme. In the study, self direct learning scale, critical thinking scale, self efficacy scale towards science and technology course and achievement test were used as means of data collection. Independent groups t-test, covariance and frequency analysis techniques were used to analyze data. In the analysis of data, SPSS computer programme was used.According to the research groups? pretest and posttest scores obtained from the self direct learning scale, critical thinking scale and the achievement test, there was a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group supporting the experimental group. Besides, there was a statistically significant difference between the pretest-posttest results of `Confidence in Science and Technology Ability? and `Confidence in Performing Science and Technology Tasks? factors of self efficacy scale in favor of the experimental group. On the other hand, there were no statistically significant differences between research groups with respect to `Coping with Difficulties in Science and Technology? factor of self efficacy scale towards science and technology course.