The effect of a constructivist learning model on information level and comprehension level of cognitive domain and attitude toward science of students in 7th class in science lesson about physical and chemical change

The purpose of this study is to test the effect of a constructivist learning model of information level and comprehension level of cognitive domain and attitude toward science of students in 7th class in science lesson about physical and chemical change. In this study the sample were consisted of 60 students who were from Ankara Kılıç Ali Paşa Primary School. The study was conducted during the 2003-2004 first semester. In this study, pre test-post test control grup design was used. The subjects of this study was divided into two (experimental and control) groups randomly. The control group were taught with traditional teaching method, while the experimental group were learned withIV constructivist learning model. Similar activities which were related to physical and chemical change were used in both groups. T-test, ANCOVA and che-square analysis were used for testing the hypotheses of the study. The results showed that students who were learned with a constructivist learning model scored significantly higher than the students who were taught with traditional teaching method with respect to comprehension level of cognitive domain. The results also indicated that information level of cognitive domain and attitude toward science of students weren't significantly different. From the findings of this study, one can conclude that the constructivist learning model is more effective in enhancing comprehension level of cognitive domain. Key Word: Science Education, Constructivism, 5E's Method, Physical and Chemical Change.