Does a Knowledge Generation Approach to Learning Benefit Students? A Systematic Review of Research on the Science Writing Heuristic Approach

Abstract

The shifting emphases of new national curricula have placed more attention on knowledge generation approaches to learning. Such approaches are centered on the fundamental sense of generative learning where practices and tools for learning become the focus of the learning environment, rather than on the products of learning. This paper, building on from the previous review by Fiorella and Mayer (2015, 2016), focuses on a systematic review of doctoral and master theses of a knowledge generation approach to the learning of science called the science writing heuristic (SWH) approach. The outcomes of examining 81 theses show that students regardless of grade levels and cultural settings were significantly advantage in terms of content knowledge, critical thinking growth, and representational competency. The results also indicate that time in terms of engagement with the approach is critical for achieving student outcomes and for teachers to develop expertise with the approach. Questioning was also noted as being critical. Implications arising from the study are centered on the development and use of writing, the need for interactive dialogical environments, and the importance of questioning as critical elements for success.