• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.739-747
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• 2004

This study was to promote meaning ways of leaning and observe the influence of concept maps on middle school students' conceptual formation with regards to the topic of the 'sea water'. Concept map is one way to examine a leaner's conceptual formation process. The subjects of this study consisted of four classes within the first grade students of a Busan middle school, which were divided into two groups: the experimental group which applied concept map teaching and the ordinary teaching group. This study was carried out before and after class, examining the science leaning achievement, self-directed leaning characteristics, and awareness change on the concept maps. The result of this study was as follows: First, the leaning achievement of middle school students was positively affected by the use of concept maps. Second, the teaching method with concept map was more effective self-directed leaning characteristics compared to the ordinary one. Third, concept map teaching was a positive reaction to conceptual formation.