An Evaluation of the Instruction Carried Out With Printed Laboratory Materials Designed in Accordance With 5e Model: Reflection of Light and Image on a Plane Mirror

Abstract

This study employed a print laboratory material based on 5E model of constructivist learning approach to teach reflection of light and Image on a Plane Mirror. The effect of the instruction which conducted with the designed print laboratory material on academic achievements of prospective science and technology teachers and their attitudes towards physics laboratory was questioned. The study was carried out with 98 prospective teachers who attended the course named General Physics Laboratory III and undergraduate students at the Department of Science Education at Karadeniz Technical University during 2011-2012 fall semesters. The study was conducted by adopting semi-experimental method. Experimental group instructed with the designed print laboratory material whereas control group instructed in through traditional laboratory practices. The Achievement Test, Physics Laboratory Attitude Scale, and Reflective Writings were used as data collection tools. It was proved that the instruction carried out with print laboratory materials based on 5E model contributed to academic achievements of prospective teachers and their attitudes towards physics laboratory more than the instruction based on traditional approach. Based on the research results, it was recommended that print materials prepared based on the constructivist learning theory could be generalized in the Physics Laboratory courses.