The effect of teacher and student-based concept mapping on the motivation and learning of eighth grade high school students

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Concept mapping as a collaborative tool for enhanced learning has been explained in many studies. The present study described effectiveness of teacher- and student-based concept mapping on students’ motivation and learning. Teaching on the basis of concept mapping is known as an active method, to improve learning ability and motives.Methods: The research was designed based on quasi-experimental method of analysis. Sample of research included 60 students selected randomly from two high schools and the pretest and posttest were administered. Hermann’s standard questionnaire was used to estimate the motivation achievement and a researcher-made questionnaire was used to measure learners’ motivation and learning. The reliability of the questionnaires was estimated by Cronbach's alpha as 0.82 and 0.85. Covariance analysis was used to analyze the data compartments of the pre- post-test scores in experimental groups after the intervention.Findings: It was revealed that there was a significant difference (sig 0.05) in pre- and post-test scores of students’ different levels of learning and motivation. It was also found that experimental teaching method, using concept mapping, to improve students’ cognition skills and their motivation could increase the opportunity of discussion among peers and understanding the content. Concept mapping in different ways of implementation as teacher- or student-based activities could promote the students’ learning level and motivation.Conclusion: Implementation of teacher- and student- made concept mapping enabled students to learn better and improved their motivation and led to the improvement of their learning skills.

Keywords

• student based concept mapping
• teacher based concept mapping
• learning
• motivation