Comparing the effectiveness of system dynamics with traditional methods of learning about wetland ecosystems
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
7-2006
Abstract
This poster reports on the preliminary results of a study comparing the effectiveness of system dynamics with traditional, lecture based, methods of learning about wetland ecosystems. The study tests the hypothesis that students utilizing a system dynamics approach learn more and retain more of the material presented to them than with the traditional teacher-based approach. Students from the Las Vegas school district participate in one of two treatments, as the experimental or the control group. Students in the experimental group are presented with a lesson utilizing four system dynamics models about the Wetlands Park Nature Preserve (WPNP) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Students are given a pretest, prior to instruction, and a posttest two weeks after instruction. To assess student learning, understanding, and retention, scores on the pre and posttest are analyzed.
Keywords
Ecosystems – Study and teaching; Instructional systems; Nevada – Clark County Wetlands Park; System analysis; System theory; Wetlands – Study and teaching; Teaching
Disciplines
Curriculum and Instruction | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Environmental Sciences
File Format
File Size
1036 KB
Language
English
Repository Citation
Hopper, M.,
Stave, K. A.
(2006).
Comparing the effectiveness of system dynamics with traditional methods of learning about wetland ecosystems.
https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/sea_fac_articles/205