Analysis of Primary School Students' Knowledge Structures Regarding the Movements of the Earth According to Conceptual Change Theories

Abstract

In the research, the knowledge structures (mental model) of the students regarding rotation, revolution, daily and annual movements of the world were analyzed. The research was designed according to the mixed method model in which qualitative and quantitative research methods are used together in data collection process. The research was conducted with the participation of seventy-five fourth grade students. Criterion sampling, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used in determining the participants. Research data were obtained from knowledge structures test and interview form. Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit Test, percentage and frequency were used in the analysis of the quantitative data obtained from the knowledge structures test, and the descriptive analysis method was used in the analysis of the verbal data obtained from the interview form. As a result of the research; students gave answers that showed cognitive inconsistency to different questions about the rotation, revolution, daily and annual movements of the Earth. These findings show that the knowledge structures of the majority of the students participating in the study are in accordance with the knowledge in pieces structure theory.