ERIC Number: ED661619
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 97
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3840-7262-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Museums as Dynamic Learning Spaces: An Action Research Study on Enhancing Science Education for Middle School Students
Adrienne M. Martino-Ortiz
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, National University
Urban middle school students in the United States have shown a declining interest in science and poorer science learning outcomes compared to the past. Museum learning experiences can potentially improve these students' interest and learning in science through interactive, personalized exhibits. This qualitative action research study asked the research questions: How do museums enrich science learning for middle school students? How do museum learning experiences positively impact urban adolescents' interest in and attitudes toward science? To investigate these research questions, participants from a single urban middle school science classroom visited a science museum and participated in online questionnaires and Zoom focus group interviews. The findings showed that science museums enrich students' learning experiences by facilitating enjoyment of learning about science, presenting content in exciting ways, and allowing students to create meaningful learning experiences. The outcomes also showed that museum learning experiences improved students' interest in and attitudes toward science by enabling students to develop memorable and connective learning experiences. These outcomes indicate a need for science museum visits in urban middle school science courses, especially when aligned with the content presented in class. [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.]
Descriptors: Middle School Students, Urban Schools, Science Interests, Low Achievement, Outcomes of Education, Museums, Learning Experience, Student Attitudes, Attitude Change, Scientific Attitudes, Science Education, Exhibits, Individualized Instruction, Interaction
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A