Design and Evaluation of a Collaborative Inquiry Environment to Enhance Science Learning

Abstract

The CSI (Collaborative Science Inquiry) learning environment is designed to help secondary school students understand scientific concepts, and develop scientific inquiry knowledge and skills through collaborative inquiry-based learning activities. This paper presents the design rationale and architecture of the system to support the shape of CSI learning environment. A pilot study that evaluates the effectiveness of the learning design is then reported. The findings attest to the positive role that CSI plays in enhancing students’ conceptual understanding, learning interest and engagement in collaborative inquiry activities.