Effects of Advance Questioning and Prior Knowledge on Science Learning

The effects of conceptual orienting questions and differences in prior knowledge on factual learning and problem solving in biology were examined. A total of 107 10th graders were assigned to a control group, an orienting questions group, or an orienting question-plus-rationale group. After initial training, participants completed a 2-day introductory lesson on genetics. One day after completing the instruction, a posttest was administered. Overall, both question groups outperformed the control group. In addition, problem-solving scores improved proportionately more than fact scores through the use of questions and rationale. Meaningful responses to the embedded orienting questions were greatest for the question-plus-rationale group and were significantly correlated with posttest performance. High-level orienting questions, designed to activate existing knowledge based upon conceptual relevance to forthcoming instruction, are of greatest value when a rationale for their use is provided.