The Effect of Authentic Learning Approach in Social Studies Teaching on the Academic Success

Fitnat Gürgil

doi:10.13189/ujer.2018.061002

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of authentic learning activities organized within the scope of the social studies course of 5th grade students on the academic success. Quasi-experimental design which is one of the quantitative research methods was used in the research. The study was carried out in the academic year of 2017-2018 in schools that represent three different socioeconomic statuses in Ankara province. 62 students from Cankaya Province; 61 students from Yenimahalle Province and 61 students from Altindag Province; a total of 184 students participated in the study. Academic achievement test developed by a researcher was used as a data collection tool in the study. According to the results, the academic success of experimental groups where authentic learning activities were used was found to be higher than the academic success of the control groups where the available programs were used. Again, in the groups where authentic learning was applied, it was found out that the girls were more successful than the boys. It was also found out that authentic learning activities increase success in all classes with socioeconomic status.

Highlights

What is as important as learning something new in a changing and transforming World order is that things learned should be meaningful and permanent
It is aimed to investigate the effect of authentic learning activities prepared within the scope of social studies learning “Production, Distribution and Consumption” on the learning of secondary school students
Three experimental groups and three control groups were included in the study

Summary

Introduction

What is as important as learning something new in a changing and transforming World order is that things learned should be meaningful and permanent. Models, strategies and techniques have been developed in education for permanent and meaningful learning. Authentic learning is one of these insights. Just to make definition with regards to the learning-teaching process, "authentic learning can be defined as education given in an environment which is very similar to reality or in the real environment" (p.291) [2]. Authentic learning insight is often based on a constructivist approach. Because it both emphasizes learning by experience, problem solving, and associating to everyday life. In the authentic learning insight, students are expected to be active and teachers are expected to guide students by planning the learning process just like the constructivist approach

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