The effects of formative assessments with targeted, real world, current events, and hands on activities on students' understanding of elementary school scientific concepts in an English language learning environment

Abstract

This study examined the effects of formative assessments with targeted, real-world, current events, and hands-on activities on students' understanding of elementary school scientific concepts in an English language-learning environment. The students used targeted, real-world, current events, and hands-on activities to facilitate their learning of scientific concepts. Many data collection instruments were used, including preunit, postunit, and delayed assessments, interviews, surveys, colleague observations, and a teacher's reflection journal. The study found students had a stronger grasp of the concepts after the treatment. However, the study showed mixed results regarding students' motivation.