Impact of Problem Finding on the Quality of Authentic Open Inquiry Science Research Projects

Autor/in	LaBanca, Frank
Titel	Impact of Problem Finding on the Quality of Authentic Open Inquiry Science Research Projects
Quelle	(2008), (288 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit Ed.D. Dissertation, Western Connecticut State University
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Monographie
ISBN	978-1-1240-5495-7
Schlagwörter	Hochschulschrift; Dissertation; Educational Strategies; Learning Theories; Creativity; Student Projects; Research Projects; Science Fairs; Research Methodology; Secondary School Students; Case Studies; Science Projects; Science Education; Qualitative Research; Inquiry; Interviews; Content Analysis; Surveys; Cognitive Processes; Scientific Research; Connecticut + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Thesis; Dissertations; Academic thesis; Lehrstrategie; Learning theory; Lerntheorie; Kreativität; Schulprojekt; Forschungsvorhaben; Research method; Forschungsmethode; Sekundarschüler; Case study; Fallstudie; Case Study; Science; Project; Wissenschaft; Projekt; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung; Qualitative Forschung; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; Inhaltsanalyse; Survey; Umfrage; Befragung; Cognitive process; Kognitiver Prozess
Abstract	Problem finding is a creative process whereby individuals develop original ideas for study. Secondary science students who successfully participate in authentic, novel, open inquiry studies must engage in problem finding to determine viable and suitable topics. This study examined problem finding strategies employed by students who successfully completed and presented the results of their open inquiry research at the 2007 Connecticut Science Fair and the 2007 International Science and Engineering Fair. A multicase qualitative study was framed through the lenses of creativity, inquiry strategies, and situated cognition learning theory. Data were triangulated by methods (interviews, document analysis, surveys) and sources (students, teachers, mentors, fair directors, documents). The data demonstrated that the quality of student projects was directly impacted by the quality of their problem finding. Effective problem finding was a result of students using resources from previous, specialized experiences. They had a positive self-concept and a temperament for both the creative and logical perspectives of science research. Successful problem finding was derived from an idiosyncratic, nonlinear, and flexible use and understanding of inquiry. Finally, problem finding was influenced and assisted by the community of practicing scientists, with whom the students had an exceptional ability to communicate effectively. As a result, there appears to be a juxtaposition of creative and logical/analytical thought for open inquiry that may not be present in other forms of inquiry. Instructional strategies are suggested for teachers of science research students to improve the quality of problem finding for their students and their subsequent research projects. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.] (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10