Cooperative and competitive learning environments (09/2009-02/2013)

involved persons:

LMU: Prof. Dr. Birgit J. Neuhaus, Dr. Sarah Sennebogen

In recent years, a new teaching method has found its way into the sciences: the “Egg Race”. The Egg Race is an open learning environment in which pupils carry out their own experiments. Small groups of pupils work together and compete against the other groups in within a fair class competition (Gärtner & Scharf, 2001; Neuhaus et al., 2008).

Elaborating on a study which showed significant effects of competitive learning environments in class on pupils’ situational interest and contentment (Sennebogen, 2008; Wetsch, 2008), Egg Races dealing with biological content will be developed and empirically evaluated. Aim of the project study is to analyse short-term and long-term effects of a competitive learning environment on pupils’ interest, learning achievements, self-concept, social behaviour, and social psychological variables in class. Another objective is to dispel teachers’ doubts regarding the implementation of class competitions in the biology lesson. Findings of this study will be used to improve biological Egg Races.

Gärtner, H.-J & Scharf, V. (2001). Chemische „Egg Races“ in Theorie und Praxis. Online-Ausgabe

Verfügbar unter: http://ekaestrs.bildung-rp.de/staff/gae/methode/eggrace/chemrace.pdf [26.11.2009]

Neuhaus, B., Sandmann A., Schubert, P. (2008). Gesundheitsschädigung durch Feinstaub – Egg Race zur Vitalkapazität der Lunge. Unterricht Biologie, 336, S.24-33

Sennebogen, S. (2008). Untersuchung zum Einfluss eines biologischen Egg Races auf die Zufriedenheit der Schüler und die Rollenübernahme innerhalb der Kleingruppe. Unveröffentlichtes Manuskript, Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität: München.

Wetsch, N. (2008). Untersuchung zum Einfluss eines biologischen Egg Races auf Leistung und Interesse. Unveröffentlichtes Manuskript, Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität: München.