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Assessing students' attitudes towards geography in a problem-based learning environment

Posted on:2015-12-18Degree:M.SType:Thesis
University:Illinois State UniversityCandidate:Quain, Andrew JFull Text:PDF
GTID:2477390020451426Subject:Curriculum development
Abstract/Summary:
Problem-based learning is an instructional strategy that is a growing trend in geographic education at all levels. The benefits of problem-based learning and how it improves students' content knowledge are well established in the literature. However, a gap in the literature exists in regards to the impact problem-based learning has on students' attitudes towards geography. This study focused on determining if high school students' attitudes towards geography improved after enrollment in a course taught with problem-based learning instruction. The study assessed other factors, such as preference for group work and problem-solving efficacy, which are associated with problem-based learning instruction. The results of the study showed that student attitudes, preference for group work, and problem-solving efficacy did not change while enrolled in a geography course taught with problem-based learning instruction. Possible causes for the lack of change in the results are explored and suggestions for future studies are provided.
Keywords/Search Tags:Problem-based learning, Attitudes towards geography, Preference for group work
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