RESEARCH AND EVALUATION

2005 Trial research

PrimaryConnections was trialled in over 50 schools across Australia in 2005. Both experienced and non-experienced teachers of science were involved.

The research was conducted by Edith Cowan and La Trobe Universities. It shows that PrimaryConnections had a strong, positive impact on students, teachers, and schools:

  • Teachers confidence for teaching science improved significantly
    Sample
    2005 Trial report
  • Teachers reported that their teaching of science had improved
  • Students responded positively to the learning approach
  • Students learnt more science
  • Students used a greater number of forms of representation in literacy
  • Students' achievement scores doubled over the course of one unit when assessed against criteria of the national scientific literacy progress map
  • Overall time spent teaching science increased
  • Overall status of science in the school increased
  • Science provided meaningful contexts for literacy learning

To learn more see the Stage 2 Trial Research Report.