The effect of teaching the subject of light with argumentation-supported design based science and engineering practices on the learning outcomes and twenty-first century skills of seventh grade students

In this study, the argumentation support design based engineering on students' success, on the effect of living capabilities of the 21st century and the students' opinions regarding the method are investigated. The study has been carried out via the explanatory sequential design that is of the hybrid methods. In the quantitative dimension of the study quasi-experimental pattern with pre test and posttest control group is used so as to examine the effects of the argumentation supported design based engineering practices on the students' academic success and the capabilities of life in the 21st century. In the qualitative dimension of the study focus group discussion is performed to determine the views of the students. The research has been conducted 7th grade students in the educational year of 2019-2020 in the spring term in Bozkır/Konya during 9 weeks. While the education was followed through the 5E teaching model with the control group, it was carried out by the argumentation supported design based engineering practices with the experiment group in this study. 21st century living capabilities scale which consists of 24 items and 5 factors was developed by the researcher. Analytical thinking, team effort, creativity, conducting research and problem solving skills were dimensions of the scale. As a result of the study, it is determined that the success of the 7th grade student has been increased thanks to the argumentation supported design based engineering and science practices and also their 21st century living skills. Students think that this method has provided the development of easy learning, the increase of permanent learning, the improvement of their hand manipulative skills, cooperation and multidimensional thinking abilities. In consequence of the findings of the study, it is suggested that the design and skill laboratories which have been started to be established in relation to the 2023 Education Vision should increased at schools. Thus, the participation of the pupils to the argumentation support design based engineering practices can be enhanced.