The Effects of Group Activities on Social Studies Education via Constructivist Approach

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different group activities, based on the constructivist approach, on the social studies course of fifth grade students in an elementary school. This study was carried out with 54 students participating in social studies course. The experimental group was exposed to the constructivist approach with traditional methods being used on the other group. Achievement test and attitude toward social studies scale, academic self concept scale, observations and interviews were used with both groups. Quantitative data were analyzed through a Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA). As a result of the MANCOVA, there was a significant mean difference between students’ achievement and attitude toward social studies after the treatment when pre-achievement and academic self-concepts scores were statistically controlled. The result of the MANCOVA analyses is supported by classroom observations and interviews with the teacher and the students.