Investigation of the Effects of Group Research Method of Applying Modeling Based Teaching Method in the Particle Structure and Properties of Matter Unit on Constructivist Learning

The aim of this study was investigated of the effects of Grup Investigation (GI) method of applying Modeling Based Teaching (MBT) method in the “The Particle Structure and Properties of Matter” unit on constructivist learning. It was used pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. This research was selected two groups of seventh graders in a middle school. The first group (EG1) was applied the GI method and the second group (EG2) was applied the GI and the MBT methods together. The data were collected using the Constructivist Learning Environment Scale (CLES) and focus group interviews. The results of the CLES indicated the MBT method was contributed in the factors of “Discussions and Interviews”, “Conceptual Discrepancies”, “Sharing Views with Others”, “Reflection and Motivation for Discovering Concepts” and “Meeting the Needs of Learners” on the GI method. In the focus group interviews, the students applied modeling Based Teaching (MBT) and Grup Investigation (GI) methods together articulated to improving mental perspectives, having confused thoughts, learning to question the things learned so far and learning to use the knowledge learned so far. The students stated that they experienced having confused thoughts during the application process, then this situation disappeared and therefore they learned better. To the results of this research, it can be said that applying MBT method and GI method together contributes to formation of higher quality learning environments.