The Effects of Using an Advance Organizer on Students' Learning in a Computer Simulation Environment

Abstract

This study investigated whether an advance organizer could facilitate learning in a computer simulation environment. It also examined the differential effectiveness of an advance organizer across three different grade levels. Sixty-six students, evenly distributed by grades fifth, sixth, and seventh, participated in the study. Within each grade, students were randomly assigned to the advance organizer group or the non-organizer group. A simulation was developed using HyperCard. A post-test was used to measure effectiveness in terms of achievement gains. Analyses of data showed significant differences between the organizer and the non-organizer groups as well as across grade levels. However, the organizer-by-age interaction was not significant. The instructional effectiveness of the organizer did not rely on age in any significant way.

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