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Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of a Web-based Guided Inquiry Approach on Students' Achievement

Journal of Computers, 2007

Although Web technology is widely used in today's classrooms, educationists are still unsure of i... more Although Web technology is widely used in today's classrooms, educationists are still unsure of its capability to generate meaningful learning. As the numbers of web-based learning (WBL) materials keep increasing tremendously, more students will rely on such resources in their learning process. WBL is always seen as a platform to deliver information, and as such, most of its learning materials are linear and tutorial-based. A WBL that applies a guided inquiry approach offers an alternative as it allows the users to explore the environment based on a given problem. This study investigated the effectiveness of two learning approaches in a WBL environment (guided inquiry, GIA and tutorial, TuA) on the achievement of students with different cognitive styles (Field Independent, FI and Field Dependent, FD). Two versions of a WBL material (TuA and GIA versions) were developed for this purpose. The findings revealed that: (1) the GIA group performed significantly better than the TuA group, (2) the FI students performed significantly better than the FD students did, (3) the FI students in the GIA group performed significantly better than did the FI students in the TuA group, (4) a significant difference in achievement was reported between the FI and the FD students in the GIA group, and (5) among the FD students, no significant difference in achievement between those who received GIA and those who received TuA approaches. These findings suggest that Guided Inquiry has the potential to be an effective learning approach in a web environment.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Guided Inquiry Approach in a Web-based Learning Environment on the Achievement of Students with Different Cognitive Style

Many educationists advocate the use of Web-based learning (WBL) as a platform to deliver informat... more Many educationists advocate the use of Web-based learning (WBL) as a platform to deliver information. Although thousands of WBL environments have been developed, most of them are tutorial-based. A guided inquiry approach offers an alternative as it allows the users to explore the environment based on a given problem. This study investigated the effectiveness of two learning approaches in a

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of a Constructivist Approach in a Web Environment on Students' Language Learning

Constructivist proponents assert that discovery and problem solving are the most effective ways o... more Constructivist proponents assert that discovery and problem solving are the most effective ways of learning, and as such, these approaches should be the focus in our education system. However, only a few Malaysian researchers have reported the application of these approaches in a web-based learning (WBL) environment. This study attempts to investigate the effects of two WBL environments on students' language learning achievement. Two WBL environments with different approaches for learning Malay Language were developed, namely, the constructivist and the tutorial approaches. This study applied a 2x2 quasi-experimental design, with the WBL mode identified as the independent variable and the students' achievement as the dependent variable. Meanwhile, the learners' ability level was identified as the moderating variable. The findings indicate that: (1) the constructivist group performed significantly better than that of the tutorial group, (2) the low ability learners performed significantly better than the high ability learners did, and (3) the achievement of high ability learners in the constructivist group was significantly better than that of the high ability learners in the tutorial group. Overall, these findings denote the importance of WBL environments that apply the constructivist approach. Such learning environment encourages discovery, exploratory, and problem solving activities among the learners, and therefore, should be used more frequently. In addition, the findings indicate that low ability learners benefited more from a WBL environment, and as such, WBL can serve as an alternative learning platform for this group of learners.

Research paper thumbnail of Managing ICT Resources in E-learning Environment: Challenges, Issues and a Proposed Model

Abstract Of late, we have seen a tremendous change in our education system due to the rapid advan... more Abstract Of late, we have seen a tremendous change in our education system due to the rapid advancement of ICT and the Internet. Not only the teaching and learning process have been influenced by this technology, the way the education system is managed has also ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Guided Inquiry Learning Approach in a Web Environment: Theory and Application

The advancement of Internet technology has provided a platform for educators to introduce webbase... more The advancement of Internet technology has provided a platform for educators to introduce webbased learning as a new approach of instruction. Although thousands of web based learning environments have been developed, most of them are linear and sequential in nature. In this linear, tutorial approach, the information is presented to the learner and is followed by practices or quizzes and some form of feedback. Another alternative to this approach is inquiry learning, which may exist in several levels including open inquiry, structured inquiry, or guided inquiry. Unlike tutorial, the inquiry approach suggests information seeking from the learner by allowing exploration and concept application rather than a mere content presentation. This non-linear, discovery approach of inquiry learning will assist the learner to better comprehend the issue or topic presented. This paper will discuss the basic learning theory underpinning the guided inquiry approach and its application in a web-based learning environment. Constructivist theory asserts that meaningful learning will only occur if the learners construct their own knowledge and understanding through active involvement, such as inquiry or discovery approach. Two relevant models of the guided inquiry approach will also be discussed, i.e., the Collins and Stevens' Theory of Inquiry Teaching (1983) and Lawson's Learning Cycle Model (1995). In addition, an example of the application of the guided inquiry approach in a web-based learning environment will also be discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Mind Mapping with Cooperative Learning on Programming Performance, Problem Solving Skill and Metacognitive Knowledge among Computer Science Students

Journal of Educational Computing Research, 2010

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of mind mapping with cooperative ... more ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of mind mapping with cooperative learning (MMCL) and cooperative learning (CL) on: (a) pro-gramming performance; (b) problem solving skill; and (c) metacognitive knowledge among computer science students in ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of a Web-based Guided Inquiry Approach on Students' Achievement

Journal of Computers, 2007

Although Web technology is widely used in today's classrooms, educationists are still unsure of i... more Although Web technology is widely used in today's classrooms, educationists are still unsure of its capability to generate meaningful learning. As the numbers of web-based learning (WBL) materials keep increasing tremendously, more students will rely on such resources in their learning process. WBL is always seen as a platform to deliver information, and as such, most of its learning materials are linear and tutorial-based. A WBL that applies a guided inquiry approach offers an alternative as it allows the users to explore the environment based on a given problem. This study investigated the effectiveness of two learning approaches in a WBL environment (guided inquiry, GIA and tutorial, TuA) on the achievement of students with different cognitive styles (Field Independent, FI and Field Dependent, FD). Two versions of a WBL material (TuA and GIA versions) were developed for this purpose. The findings revealed that: (1) the GIA group performed significantly better than the TuA group, (2) the FI students performed significantly better than the FD students did, (3) the FI students in the GIA group performed significantly better than did the FI students in the TuA group, (4) a significant difference in achievement was reported between the FI and the FD students in the GIA group, and (5) among the FD students, no significant difference in achievement between those who received GIA and those who received TuA approaches. These findings suggest that Guided Inquiry has the potential to be an effective learning approach in a web environment.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Guided Inquiry Approach in a Web-based Learning Environment on the Achievement of Students with Different Cognitive Style

Many educationists advocate the use of Web-based learning (WBL) as a platform to deliver informat... more Many educationists advocate the use of Web-based learning (WBL) as a platform to deliver information. Although thousands of WBL environments have been developed, most of them are tutorial-based. A guided inquiry approach offers an alternative as it allows the users to explore the environment based on a given problem. This study investigated the effectiveness of two learning approaches in a

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of a Constructivist Approach in a Web Environment on Students' Language Learning

Constructivist proponents assert that discovery and problem solving are the most effective ways o... more Constructivist proponents assert that discovery and problem solving are the most effective ways of learning, and as such, these approaches should be the focus in our education system. However, only a few Malaysian researchers have reported the application of these approaches in a web-based learning (WBL) environment. This study attempts to investigate the effects of two WBL environments on students' language learning achievement. Two WBL environments with different approaches for learning Malay Language were developed, namely, the constructivist and the tutorial approaches. This study applied a 2x2 quasi-experimental design, with the WBL mode identified as the independent variable and the students' achievement as the dependent variable. Meanwhile, the learners' ability level was identified as the moderating variable. The findings indicate that: (1) the constructivist group performed significantly better than that of the tutorial group, (2) the low ability learners performed significantly better than the high ability learners did, and (3) the achievement of high ability learners in the constructivist group was significantly better than that of the high ability learners in the tutorial group. Overall, these findings denote the importance of WBL environments that apply the constructivist approach. Such learning environment encourages discovery, exploratory, and problem solving activities among the learners, and therefore, should be used more frequently. In addition, the findings indicate that low ability learners benefited more from a WBL environment, and as such, WBL can serve as an alternative learning platform for this group of learners.

Research paper thumbnail of Managing ICT Resources in E-learning Environment: Challenges, Issues and a Proposed Model

Abstract Of late, we have seen a tremendous change in our education system due to the rapid advan... more Abstract Of late, we have seen a tremendous change in our education system due to the rapid advancement of ICT and the Internet. Not only the teaching and learning process have been influenced by this technology, the way the education system is managed has also ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Guided Inquiry Learning Approach in a Web Environment: Theory and Application

The advancement of Internet technology has provided a platform for educators to introduce webbase... more The advancement of Internet technology has provided a platform for educators to introduce webbased learning as a new approach of instruction. Although thousands of web based learning environments have been developed, most of them are linear and sequential in nature. In this linear, tutorial approach, the information is presented to the learner and is followed by practices or quizzes and some form of feedback. Another alternative to this approach is inquiry learning, which may exist in several levels including open inquiry, structured inquiry, or guided inquiry. Unlike tutorial, the inquiry approach suggests information seeking from the learner by allowing exploration and concept application rather than a mere content presentation. This non-linear, discovery approach of inquiry learning will assist the learner to better comprehend the issue or topic presented. This paper will discuss the basic learning theory underpinning the guided inquiry approach and its application in a web-based learning environment. Constructivist theory asserts that meaningful learning will only occur if the learners construct their own knowledge and understanding through active involvement, such as inquiry or discovery approach. Two relevant models of the guided inquiry approach will also be discussed, i.e., the Collins and Stevens' Theory of Inquiry Teaching (1983) and Lawson's Learning Cycle Model (1995). In addition, an example of the application of the guided inquiry approach in a web-based learning environment will also be discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Mind Mapping with Cooperative Learning on Programming Performance, Problem Solving Skill and Metacognitive Knowledge among Computer Science Students

Journal of Educational Computing Research, 2010

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of mind mapping with cooperative ... more ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of mind mapping with cooperative learning (MMCL) and cooperative learning (CL) on: (a) pro-gramming performance; (b) problem solving skill; and (c) metacognitive knowledge among computer science students in ...