The impact of electronic journal assisted science and technology course on students science process skills and attitudes towards science

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of electronic journal assisted research-based learning strategy on students? learning outcomes.Based on the research aim, in this study, an experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was adopted. The study was carried out with 70 fifth graders in Şehit Jandarma Er Serhat Genç Primary School in Kepez, the central districts of Antalya Province in the academic year of 2012-2013. They represent students from low socio-economic status. In the study, Academic Achievement Test (AAT), Scientific Attitude Scale, Science Process Skills Scale and Focus Group Interview Form were used for data collection. Data collected via tests and scales were analyzed using independent samples t test by the means of SPSS 18 and a significance level of 0,05 was accepted for comparing experimental and control groups. Data gathered via focus group interview form were explained through qualitative descriptive analysis and elaborated using content analysis and supported with quotations, explanations and associations. The results of the data analyses indicated that electronic journal assisted research-based learning strategy brought about a significant difference in academic achievement scores of experimental and control groups, suggesting that practices prepared in accordance with research-based learning strategy had a positive impact on student achievement. On the other hand, electronic journal assisted research-based learning strategy revealed no significant difference in students? science process skills and attitudes towards science ad technology course. However, in the research process, students stated that electronic student journals increased their motivation, supported their experiential learning processes and improved their science process skills. Keywords: Research-based Learning Strategy, Science Journals, Electronic Student Journals, Science and Technology Curriculum