ERIC Number: EJ1434033
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Sep
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-6434
EISSN: EISSN-2381-3121
Learning by Talking: Using Multimedia to Enhance Science Explanation Development of Neurodivergent Students
Victoria J. VanUitert; Emily Millirons; Olivia F. Coleman; Michael J. Kennedy
Journal of Special Education Technology, v39 n3 p403-418 2024
Becoming proficient in scientific discourse such as argumentation or developing explanations can be challenging for students, including neurodivergent students (e.g., autistic students, students with learning disabilities, students with ADHD). Students need to practice developing arguments and explanations as well as sharing their conclusions with others; however, these opportunities do not regularly occur. The use of multimedia technology shows promise in being an engaging and effective way to support student learning and discussion of science topics and phenomena. This study investigated the use of a multimedia presentation called Dialogic Instruction for Argumentative Learning in Science (DIALS) in supporting upper-elementary neurodivergent students to provide complete responses to science questions. DIALS provides a structured inquiry investigation to the student in which they learn about a phenomenon through completing scaffolded animated experiments, explicitly learning how to develop an argument and respond to others conclusions, and learning relevant content information to support their argument and explanation development. An adapted alternating treatments design approach was used in this study. The phenomena explored were counterbalanced between three options: DIALS, PowerPoint comparison lessons, or control probe slides. Results from this study show promise in the use of DIALS in enhancing student complete responding to questions and providing quality claims for why they think phenomena occur. Implications for the findings are discussed.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Grade 3, Grade 4, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Students with Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Elementary School Science, Multimedia Materials, Persuasive Discourse, Technology Integration, Scientific Literacy, Science Achievement
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2993
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 3; Primary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A