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Digital Research Skills: Application in Secondary Science Reports
K N Blankendaal-Tran1, R F G Meulenbroeks1, W R van Joolingen1
1Freudenthal Institute, Utrecht University, PO Box 9432, 3506 GK Utrecht, The Netherlands.
This study found that 12th-grade science students struggle with essential digital research skills (DRS) in their project reports. Deficiencies in data analysis, visualization, and digital writing hinder effective scientific communication.
Area of Science:
- Physical Sciences
- Secondary Education
Background:
- Digital Research Skills (DRS) are crucial for modern scientific research and communication.
- Assessing DRS in pre-university students is vital for educational development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the level of Digital Research Skills (DRS) demonstrated in 12th-grade pre-university science students' Science Project Reports (SPRs).
- Identify specific areas of deficiency in students' application of DRS within their scientific work.
Main Methods:
- Collected and analyzed 88 Science Project Reports (SPRs) from physical science students.
- Developed and utilized a rubric based on a bottom-up approach to systematically code DRS.
- Ensured rubric validity through expert review and assessed inter-rater reliability.
Main Results:
- Students exhibited significant difficulties in digital data analysis, transformation, and visualization.
- Inadequate referencing, poor figure construction, and limited data handling proficiency were identified.
- Problems with digital tools for writing and formula representation were observed, potentially causing confusion.
Conclusions:
- The overall level of Digital Research Skills (DRS) in the assessed student reports is insufficient.
- Addressing deficiencies in DRS is critical to prevent confusion and improve scientific communication.
- Increased focus on integrating and teaching DRS in secondary science education is recommended.
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