The Effectiveness of Three Experiential Teaching Approaches on Student Science Learning in Fifth-Grade Public School Classrooms

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 3 experiential science lessons in meeting the objectives of the Colorado model content science standards. Kolb's (1984) experiential learning model was used as a framework for understanding the process by which students engage in learning when participating in experiential learning activities. The authors used classroom exams and written reflections to assess the effects of the activities. The model revealed no significant differences among the 3 lessons in meeting state standards. However, the lessons showed significant effects on student knowledge gain.