The Signing Science Dictionary Study

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The Signing Science Dictionary Study
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The Signing Science Dictionary

• Unique Features

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The Study

• TERC in collaboration with Vcom3D conducted a
  formative evaluation of a 300-term prototype
  version of the innovation.
• The study examined the potential relationship
  between use of the innovation and students
  ability to work independently and master the
  science content that is the focus of the Whats
  the Weather? unit one unit in the EnviSci
  Network series (published by Charlesbridge
  Publishing).

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Study Activities

• 1.) Teachers tracked students ability to work
  independently with the unit material prior to
  using the innovation.
• 2.) Students completed a pre-unit content
  questionnaire.
• 3.) Students completed a post-unit content
  questionnaire.
• 4.) Teachers completed a post-unit survey to
  describe what they and students gained from using
  the innovation.

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Treatment Sites

• Bruce Street School for the Deaf
• Newark, NJ urban Grades 6,7, 8 N9 (2 male,
  7 female)
• North Carolina School for the Deaf
• Morganton, NC rural Grade 3 N6 (3 male, 3
  female)

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Quantitative Findings(Overall)

• A total of 20 points were attainable on each
  questionnaire by providing full, correct
  responses to 5 content questions.
• The post-unit mean achievement score for the
  Treatment Group (N15) is 18.11. This is
  significantly higher than the pre-mean score of
  8.67. Thus, the groups knowledge of the unit
  content increased significantly over the course
  of the study, on average.

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Quantitative Findings(By Question)

• Average scores for hearing students are shown in
  parentheses.

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Qualitative Findings

• Students used the innovation for science class
  each day, when completing tests, and to do
  Web-based research.
• Students used the innovation to look up words
  independently, find definitions for words when
  reading or writing, to sign a word in ASL or SE
  when conversing, and to use the sign in proper
  context when reading, speaking, and writing.

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Teacher Thoughts

• My students and I LOVE the Dictionary. It is a
  very valuable resource that promotes and provides
  independent learning for Deaf students. When Im
  working with one student, another doesnt have to
  wait for me to explain unknown terms. They can
  use the dictionary and work INDEPENDENTLY! It is
  always open and active on the desktop for
  students to use whenever they like.