Enhancing social science learning with augmented reality for primary students in a CLIL context

Abstract

Learning content through a second language is a challenging task for both students and teachers. Previous research has shown that information and communication technologies (ICT) such as Augmented Reality (AR) can facilitate content learning. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using Augmented Reality (AR) technology in teaching Social Science in a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) context for primary education students. The study was conducted with sixth-year primary students in a state-subsidized school in Bizkaia, Spain. Several sessions using AR to work on content about economic sectors have been implemented. Additionally,  some questionnaires based on previous experiences have been designed to gather data on students' current use of technology along with students’ and teachers’ opinions on using AR as a teaching tool after the sessions.  Results showed a positive impact on student learning outcomes since after the brief AR intervention students improved significantly in most of the activities and, particularly, in vocabulary-related and content comprehension activities. Both students and teachers expressed favourable opinions towards using AR in the classroom.