The effect of the use of concept cartoons on students' achievement and attitude in teaching science and technology

In this study, the appliance of the technique of Concept Cartoons in primary level 7th grade Science and Technology lesson, "Human and Environment" unit and the effects of this technique on students' success and their attitude are investigated. The investigation is carried out by using semi-experimental pattern with pre-post test control. In the test group of this investigation, concept cartoons and the current teaching program were used; in the control group only the current teaching program was used. The investigation was carried out in 2011-2012 academic year in İzmir-Menemen. It was applied on 39 students from İrfan Erdem Primary School and these students are from different classes. 19 of the Students are in 7/A and 20 of the Students are in 7/B. Experiment group consists of 7/A Students, Control group consists of 7/B students. In this investigation a success test was used as a data collecting tool. This test has 0.75 factor of reliability and it is based on expert opinions and it includes 24 topics. Science Attitude Scale, developed by Şaşmaz-Ören (2005), has been used to measure students' attitudes towards Science and Technology courses. The data which are handled are analyzed by using SPSS 17 packet program. Interviews were held with the students in the experimental group to find out their thoughts about concept cartoons. The data obtained from these interviews were analyzed with descriptive analysis. According to the result of analysis; in control group an appreciable difference couldn't be found between students' academic success and attitude, pre-test and post-test points statistically. This result indicates that there is no difference in students' success and attitude. On the other hand in experiment group, there is an appreciable difference between students' academic success and attitude, pre-test and post-test points in favor of post-test. This result indicates that there is an increase in students' success and attitudes. The results are as the following; the lessons with the concepts cartoons were entertaining for them. They expressed that the concepts cartoons were useful and thanks to them the lessons were not boring anymore. They said that they wanted the following lessons to include concept cartoons, too. According to the findings handled in this workout, it is determined that Concept Cartoons technique could be used in Primary Level Science and Technology lessons to increase success and create positive attitude.