Experimental Research re-do

21 June 2008

Research topic: The use of forum in Social Studies learning

Background: Forum becomes popular in the field of educational. In Social Studies, in particularly, discussion forum is blended in the learning process in order to replace the traditional didactic way of teaching. However, the correlation between the use of forum and learning outcomes is unsure.

Experimental Research

Research questionThe use of forum can improve the academic achievement in Social Studies

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Hypothesis:The level of participation in forum is positively related to the academic achievement in Social Studies

Research sub-questions

1. The number of note read positively related to the academic achievement in Social Studies

2. The number of note contributed positively related to the academic achievement in Social Studies

Experimental Research

Independent/ predictor variable

the level of participation in forum (notes read and notes contributed)

Dependent/ criterion variable

the academic achievement in Social Studies (test score)

Experimental Research

Population:Grade 5 (a total of 3 mixed-ability classes, 30 students at each class)

Sample: 1 classMeasuring scale: interval (test score)

Constant:1. gender of student (mixed gender in the class)2. age (P.5 is selected, generally aged 10-11)

Experimental Research

2 units of inquiry will be conducted. They are also the two research cycles.

Each unit lasts 4 weeks. At each unit, discussion forum (Knowledge Forum) is integrated into the pedagogy.

After each unit, a test is given to all students. The test score measured in this research is the average of the 2 tests.

The notes read and contributed measured in this research is the average of the 2 cycles.

Experimental Research

Mean, median, mode, standard deviation

Pearson's r (correlation coefficient)

Experimental Research