• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.509-518
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• 2011

In this study, we investigated the effects of analogy-generating in small group in elementary science-gifted education upon the types and the mapping errors of student-generated analogies, and the perceptions of the instruction. Fifth graders (N=37) at two science-gifted classes in two elementary schools were selected and assigned to individualistic analogygenerating (IA, n=19) and pair analogy-generating (PA, n=18) groups. After the students of each group performed the experiment and were taught about 'saturated solution' concept in the first class, they administered the test on the self-generating analogies on the concept in the second class. The students in the PA group also administered the test on perceptions of analogy-generating in small group and some of them were interviewed deeply. The results revealed that the students in the PA group made more verbal/pictorial, structural/functional, enriched, and higher systematic analogies than those in the IA group. However, there were little difference between the two groups in the subcategories of artificiality (artificial and everyday) and abstraction (abstract and concrete). The students in the PA group fewer mapping errors than those in the IA group. Many students in PA group perceived the analogy-generating in small group positively upon various cognitive and motivational aspects. However, they also pointed a few disadvantages of the activity. Educational implications of these findings are discussed.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.304-322
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of student-centered instruction using analogies for middle school students' learning of the photosynthesis concept. Participants in this study were 8th grade students at a middle school in Seoul (N=132). The students were divided into two groups for implementation. In the experimental group the teaching materials containing analogies were used while the contents of a science textbook were taught in the control group. The results of this study indicated that student-centered instruction using analogies was more effective than traditional methods of instruction for understanding photosynthesis concepts and the students' attitude toward the science class. Analogies were also found to contribute to developing an understanding of the photosynthesis concept through activating students' prior knowledge, focusing on structural features of the target concept and elaborating knowledge. In addition, analogies play an important role in activating small group discussions, improving students' meta-cognitive skills, and revealing and revising of misconceptions about photosynthesis. Moreover, analogies can help improve students' interests and self-efficiency in science classes.