Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Peer-reviewed article

Learning with dinosaurs: a study on motivation, cognitive reasoning, and making observations

February 22, 2016 | Exhibitions
Dinosaurs have been a very popular science topic since signs of their presence on earth were first discovered. They have represented so-called ‘edutainment’ for some people. Learning from informal sources and in- an out-of-school environment can be effective and motivating. In this study, 12-year-old pupils (N = 366) visited a dinosaur science centre exhibition in Finland. Pupils were tested with standardised tests of motivation as defined by self-determination theory, cognitive skills, and interest via pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests during a six-month period. Findings show that pupils learned from the science centre visit and enjoyed the experience. The factors explaining their post-test knowledge in addition to their previous knowledge were (1) general cognitive competence, (2) liking studying biology at the science centre, (3) participation in a dinosaur demonstration, and (4) gender. As there was no difference between boys and girls in general cognitive competences, the knowledge results of boys and girls equally related to their cognitive competence. Autonomy also influenced situational motivation both directly and indirectly, which in turn had a strong effect on liking studying in the exhibition. It also influenced the post-test knowledge indirectly. In the lowest school achievement group, participation in the dinosaur demonstration increased knowledge in the post-test.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Hannu Salmi
    Author
    University of Helsinki
  • Helena Thuneberg
    Author
    University of Helsinki
  • Mari-Pauliina Vainikainen
    Author
    University of Helsinki
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.1080/21548455.2016.1200155
    ISSN : 2154-8463
    Publication Name: International Journal of Science Education, Part B
    Volume: 7
    Number: 3
    Page Number: 203-218
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: History/policy/law | Life science
    Audience: Middle School Children (11-13) | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.