Funded Research Project

Project Title: An investigation of causal relationships between complex classroom practices and science learning using high capacity new research technologies and multiple learning theory-testing

Chief Investigators: Professor David Clarke and Professor Russell Tytler (Deakin University)

Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne

Funded by: ARC Discovery Project grant 2008-2011

Project Summary: The strategic importance of science and the need for high‑quality science teaching is being highlighted at national and state levels. A variety of science education initiatives have been funded by government to address this priority. Policy makers and curriculum developers rightly demand that the advocacy of educational innovations be supported by empirical evidence, which, to now, has been limited by available research methods. This study exploits recent advances in the sophistication of educational theories, research designs and available technology to generate much more compelling evidence of the effectiveness of specific classroom practices for improving student knowledge and understanding of science.