The Effects of Concept-Mapping Learning Strategy and Spatial Ability on Elementary Students´ Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategies and Science Academic Performance Author:于富雲 Fu-Yun Yu, 陳玉欣 Yu-Shin Chen
Research Article
The purposes of this study are three-fold: (1) to examine the effects of concept-mapping on students’ cognitive and metacognitive strategies and science academic performance; (2) to investigate the interaction effects between the concept-mapping learning strategy and students’ spatial ability; and (3) to understand students’ attitudes towards the adopted strategy. A non-equivalent control-group experimental research design was used. Four classes of fourth-graders participated in the study for the support of their science learning for seven consecutive weeks. One-way ANCOVA found a statistically significant effect of concept-mapping on students’ cognitive and metacognitive strategies as compared to the traditional teaching approach. Two-way ANCOVA, however, found no significant interaction effects between concept-mapping and students’ spatial ability on science performance, cognitive or metacognitive strategies. Finally, students participating in concept-mapping learning activity expressed significantly positive attitudes toward the introduced learning strategy. Suggestions for classroom teachers and future studies were proposed.