title: Conceptual Change in Science Is Facilitated Through Peer Collaboration for Boys but Not for Girls.
abstract: Three hundred and forty-one children (Mage = 9,0 years) engaged in a series of science tasks in collaborative, same-sex pairs or did not interact. All children who collaborated on the science tasks advanced in basic-level understanding of the relevant task (motion down an incline). However, only boys advanced in their conceptual understanding at a 3-week posttest. Discussion of concepts and procedural aspects of the task led to conceptual development for boys but not girls. Gender differences in behavioral style did not influence learning. Results are discussed in terms of the links between gender and engagement in conversations, and how gender differences in collaboration may relate to differences in participation in science.
authors.affiliation: University of London, King's College, London.
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Leman
authors.affiliation: Keele University.
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Skipper
authors.affiliation: Royal Holloway, University of London.
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Watling
authors.affiliation: Goldsmith's College, London.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rutland
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D003210:Concept Formation / Q000502:physiology*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012586:Science; D012737:Sex Factors