Project Title

Designing a collaborative knowledge building environment model for science in Singapore schools


Overview

To design a Collaborative Knowledge Building (KB) environment for Science that is accessible to all pupils with different ability levels, this project team works with Primary 3 and 4 teachers and students at Townsville Primary School (TVPS). This being the first LSL research study focusing on low-achieving students, the project will inform other Singapore schools as to how we can facilitate the learning of educationally disadvantaged learners, and how technology can be used to design an inclusive and effective learning environment. The ultimate goal is to design a signature Knowledge Building (KB) model that meets the needs of Singapore schools. Based on knowledge-building principles, the study adopts a design-experiment framework for implementing intervention in the classrooms.  The intervention strategy employs cooperative learning and knowledge building activities involving heterogeneous groups of pupils of varying ability levels in the classrooms prior to the introduction of Knowledge Forum as a learning tool. To provide a multifaceted perspective of the research context, mixed methodologies are employed, incorporating quantitative measurement of the rate of learning achievement, and qualitative data collection of classroom observations and interviews, and tracking the process of idea improvement.

Project Reference

LSL 1/06 SHJ