Developing Students’ Scientific Modeling Ability and Attitude towards Teamwork through the Predict-Share-Observe-Explain (PSOE) Instructional Model

Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to develop the scientific modeling ability and attitude towards teamwork of seventh grade demonstration school students studying in their first semester in Bangkok, Thailand, using a predict-share-observe-explain instructional model (PSOE instructional model). Methodology: Students’ modeling ability was measured before and after the experiment using a scientific modeling ability test, and their modeling practice during the learning was measured using a scientific modeling ability assessment. Moreover, students’ attitudes towards teamwork were measured before and after the experiment using an attitude towards teamwork test and interviews during the experiment.

Findings: The findings were as follows: (1) the mean of scientific modeling ability of the students was higher than before the experiment (2) the mean modeling ability score from four measurements was not statistically significant (3) the mean of students’ attitude towards teamwork was higher than before the experiment. The findings from the students’ attitude towards teamwork revealed that there were four major themes: (1) the advantages of teamwork, (2) the characteristics of students’ teamwork, (3) the problems involving teamwork, and (4) the factors affecting students’ teamwork. Implications for Research and Practice: It can be concluded that the PSOE instructional model can develop students’ scientific modeling ability and attitude towards teamwork. This research would be helpful when used in science classrooms.