Constructivism in Laboratory: G-E Model

This study was planned for two main purposes:1. To develop the theoretical basis of a constructivist laboratory model, which could be practiced in physics laboratories.2. To assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the model in college physics laboratoriesAfter a thorough examination of related literature about laboratory models having constructive features by document analysis method, theoretical structure of a model, which is called Constructivist Laboratory Model [Guided-Examination (G-E)], was developed and carried out. Sample was selected randomly from the student teachers of a elementary science education department in spring semester of school year 2002-2003. The sample was consisted of 101 students: 50 students in experimental group, and 51students in control group. A pre-test was used to measure students’ knowledge level before the application. Experimental group performed laboratory experiments based on constructive laboratory model while control group performed their experiments based on traditional verification model. After completion of the study, an achievement test and a practice exam were employed to the sample. Six experiments were performed in 3 weeks. The whole study, with the pre-test, post-test, and practice exam, was completed in 6 weeks. Comparisons of the groups were made by using t-test statistics.