Efficacy of Integrating 21st Century Skills in an Understanding by Design (UbD21) Pedagogical Plan on Life Energy and Processes
Abstract: This study explores the effectiveness of UBD21 in improving student conceptions on life energy and processes, and in making the students acquire 21st century skills. An intact Biology class of sophomore high school students were exposed to a teaching-learning environment using the UBD21 plan, focusing on the concepts of life energy and processes. Students’ perceptions of the 21st century skills and the results of the pre-test and post-test were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The significant difference between the pre-test and post-test suggested that UbD21 facilitates change in students’ conceptions on Life Energy and Processes. Students’ high ratings of perceived understanding suggest that UbD21 can facilitate improvement of students’ conceptions. The significant improvements in the students’ conceptions on life energy and processes and scientific skills suggest the efficacy of UbD21.
Presider: Jackie McBride, Arkansas State University