Issue: Analysis of the quality of communication processes in small-groups and the influence on the learning outcome

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of the quality of subject-specific statements in small-groups on the learning outcome. For this purpose, existing video data of the preceding research project „Process-oriented experimentation in co-operative small groups” will be reanalysed.

On the basis of this analysis the instructions will be revised in order to achieve a higher grade of communication from a subject specific viewpoint. The learning effectiveness of the revised materials should be examined within an intervention study by use of subject specific achievement tests. The intervention study is going to endure five lessons in the 7th grade of German secondary schools (Gymnasium). The revised materials will be provided to the intervention group during three of the five lessons. Shifting in communication processes are observed by a category conducted video based analysis of the speech behavior.

Furthermore, the received video data will be compared to the already existing video data of the preceding project with regard to an increase in learning outcome. To exclude epochal effects, the data of the controlling group are raised again.

Termtime

• 2009 - 2011

Funding

• Research Associate in the DFG Research Unit “Teaching and Learning of Science”, Essen

Supervisors

• Maik Walpuski & Elke Sumfleth

Dissertation

• Rebecca Knobloch