The Effect of Lesson Plans Based on IB Education Philosophy and UbD Model on Student Achievement

Abstract

This study was made based on some discussions attempting to improve the quality of education by creating appropriate learning areas, differentiating education according to each student's interests, learning styles, and multiple intelligences. The aim of the study is the implementation and analysis of social studies lesson plans prepared in accordance with "UbD" and ‘’IB Planner’’ for 3rd grade students. The study was conducted using a nested-mixed design within the framework of mixed method research. In the quantitative dimension of the study, pretest-posttest control group experimental model data were used. In the qualitative dimension, the data based on the feedbacks of teachers who are the implementers of the lesson plans were used. The study group of the quantitative dimension consisted of 320 students in the 3rd grade of a public primary school who voluntarily participated in the study. The study group of the qualitative dimension consists of 36 primary school teachers who are the implementers of the prepared lesson plan. The findings of the study show that the social studies lesson plans prepared based on the IB Planner and the UbD model made a significant difference in favor of the experimental group on both student accomplishment (posttest) and student achievement(pretest-posttest). The qualitative findings obtained from the teachers' feedback on the prepared and implemented plans indicated that the plans included enriched activities and were comprehensively prepared to appeal to all students, including students with special needs and gifted students in the same class. In addition, it was observed that the differentiated content in IB and UbD lesson plans was not limited to methods and techniques, but also included assessment and evaluation techniques. Both quantitative and qualitative findings revealed that the plans were designed in such a way that students could effectively acquire the prescribed behavior. Moreover, the implementation of the plans improved students' social skills, self-management skills, communication skills, research and thinking skills, increased their self-confidence and raised their achievement.