The effects of teaching photosynthesis unit with computer simulation supported co-operative learning on retention and student attitude to biology

In this study, student achievement in and attitude toward subject was investigated by comparing computer simulation supported Student Teams Achievement Divisions (STAD) of co-operative learning with traditional learning in biology classes. The study was carried out with the participation of 81 students in 10th grade at Diyarbakir Melik Ahmet Secondary School during autumn term of 2009- 2010 academic year. The control and experimental groups were randomly selected from equal groups. An achievement test consisted of 31 questions from photosynthesis unit and an attitude scale was used as the data collection instruments. The study revealed that teaching method that was supported by computer simulations had more effects on student achievement in comparison to the traditional teaching method. Differences between students' attitude who were taught with computer simulation supported co-operative learning and students' attitude who were instructed by traditional teaching did not emerge as statistically significant.

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Biology Teaching ,

Computer Simulations ,

Co-operative Learning ,