The Views of Preservice Teachers for Problem Based Learning Model Supported by Geocaching in Environmental Education

Year 2017, Volume: 7 Issue: 3, 264 - 292, 31.12.2017

Rukiye Adanalı , Mete Alım

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the usability of Problem-Based Learning model supported
by Instructional Geocaching Game (PBL-IGG). The study was conducted in Turkey, in 2015-2016
spring term with 19 geography teacher candidates who chosen by convenience sampling method. In
this study, within Educational Geocaching Game (IGG) which is the complementary activity of the
problem-based learning (PBL) process, treasure boxes containing various clues and tasks for the
students to help them at their PBL research reports, had been prepared and students' opinions regarding
the effectiveness of this game was taken. The data was collected through Problem-Solving Inventory
and focus group interviews, in this instrumental case study. Paired Samples Test and content analysis
were used for analysis of the data. The findings showed that PBL-IGG did not lead to a significant
difference regarding the students’ problem-solving skills, since the effect size is .013. However, in the
light of the interviews, it was revealed that PBL-IGG increased the students’ social and cognitive skills
and map skills as well; that the students had positive attitudes towards PBL-IGG. They also stated that
IGG applications made the lesson more enjoyable, increased awareness and motivation towards the
environment. It is expected that the results will be useful to encourage using IGG learning strategy in
geography and environmental education and make a contribution to new researches.

Keywords

Geocaching, Problem-Based Learning, Outdoor Environmental Education, Global Positioning System

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