Faculty of Education - Theses

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Start date: 2010 × Subject: mathematics × Subject: science ×

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    An investigation of the impact of LEGO® robotics on the learning of scientific and mathematical concepts at primary level
    Maxwell, Carla Dawn ( 2013)
    This study analysed the way students at grade 3 and 4 learned to manipulate the design projects that are part of lessons from the LEGO® Mindstorms Robotics Invention system. Students worked in cooperative groups of three to four members. Within the hour allocated for each lesson the participants swapped roles, being either a programmer or LEGO® designer. The students were required to utilise many skills, including design, directional language, communication and evaluation. The research methods of the study are qualitative. To find out what the students were learning the research relied on observational notes, written records and photographs. The research aimed to compile evidence of how this style of learning affected the outcomes of student’s achievement and attitudes. Students were required to analyse something that was active. They had to write observational notes to show their understanding of what was occurring and they also had to document how they changed the program to effect the robot’s movements.
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    Do New South Wales Catholic schools deliver equitable education for senior school students?
    Rodney, Paul John ( 2012)
    This thesis investigates the equity of provision and access to senior school curriculum in New South Wales (NSW) Catholic schools. Via a quantitative and survey investigation into student enrolment, enrolment trends, engagement, outcomes, transition, satisfaction and access, the thesis draws conclusions as to the equity of the provision to senior students (post-compulsory) in NSW Catholic schools. The thesis concentrates in particular on Higher School Certificate English, mathematics, science and Vocational Education and Training. The research relies in part on quantitative data for senior student (N=23,221) participation and outcomes in the NSW Catholic sector linked to social demographic data as contained in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census collection district data. The multi-method quantitative research approach also includes the analysis of survey data collected through phone and email surveys of students (N=1,566), parents and carers (N=647) and teachers (N=1,184). The research finds that students from low SES backgrounds are disadvantaged on all measures. The thesis analyses the restraints that impact on NSW Catholic schools preventing them catering better for those of greatest need of their service. The research recommends that these restraints be challenged to better serve the poor as is the mission of Catholic schools. It challenges NSW Catholic schools to be more audacious in the manner in which they approach the delivery of the senior school experience.