Development of decision-making skills and environmental concern through computer-based, scaffolded learning activities

Abstract

This article focuses on the development of decision-making skills and environmental concern by 11- and 12-year-old students through computer-based, scaffolded learning activities. The enacted activities provided necessary scientific information and allowed for the consideration of multiple aspects of the problem, the study of the effects of every possible solution and the formulation and balancing of criteria. The optimization strategy for decision making was adopted, because it allows for the development of compensatory thinking which is more relevant to actual situations of decision making. Twelve students participated in the pilot enactment of the proposed activities. Data collection relied on students' reports and pre- and post-tests as well as a closed questionnaire designed to measure students' environmental concern. The teaching intervention proved quite successful in enhancing the decision-making skills of the participating children. Moreover, students' performance on the environmental concern questionnaire correlated in interesting ways with the improvement of decision-making skills.