Article Review

Title of Article:

Accessing Science Through Media: Uses and Gratifications Among

Name of Journal:
Issue:
Volume:
Page Number:
Year Publish:

Fourth and Fifth Graders for Science Learning

Science Communication
2
36
168-193
2014

1. Overview
This paper first gives a brief overview of the role of media on science
learning. In the new era of technology, media have been the central of source for
information. Youth are the generation that most use this source of information in
their everyday life. The authors also brought the issue of an increasing concern
that more children of Turkey are lack of interest in science learning. Many
researches have been made prior to the issue as shown by the authors but none
made to address the young students science learning. The research was conducted
to study the uses and gratifications of media in accessing science for the fourth
and fifth graders students in Ankara, Turkey. Two researchers from the Middle
East Technology University, Ankara set up the research in 2013.
The research question in this study is corresponding with the recent issue
of Malaysian students result in TIMSS. TIMSS is organized by The International
Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) that consist of
two domains; science and mathematic. The shocking result of Malaysia being in
the bottom group that mostly is the third world countries has made an uproar in
education discussion especially in science and mathematic. Thus, this study is
important for the reseachers in this area of study.

2. Description of Methodology
Two research questions were set to support the research objectives; how
do 4th and 5th grade students use mass media in science learning and what are the
characteristic that make mass media affective for them in science learning.

A qualitative method using a phenomenological approach was the method

chosen by the authors when designing the research. By doing a purposeful
sampling, the reseachers identified 47 students aged 10 to 12 that have an
interest in sciences criteria. Multiple data sources gathered as the students were
selected from 2 private schools and 2 public schools. These samples were then
divided into 8 focus groups. The researchers employed a semistructured interview
format with open-ended questions to the samples.
Results were discussed in the manner of thick discussion. The four types
of media chosen were the television, newspaper, science magazines, and Internet.
The result for the research has identified that science magazines and Internet is
the most media used in science learning of the samples. Newspaper was the least
media used by them. In choosing those media, aspect of accessibility was the
most important aspect of their choice of media.
In each of the media chose by students discussion, authors list out the
effective and ineffective features of the media. The data were also present in a
diagram that is simple yet easy to understand manner. The authors also relate the
behaviour of students using the UGT.
3. Evaluation
The authors did adequately establish the significance of the research
questions. Many past researches in the literature review section that met the

objective of the study were discussed.

The use of qualitative phenomenological approach mathodically was the best
method use to those set of samples. We definitely cant use a questionnaire or
test on those students. By exploring their meaning of experiences, conceptions
and emotions using group interviews, those samples opens up to more

information.
The forty-seven samples data were analyzed thoroughly and discussed in
many aspects of what criteria made them chose the media. By relating the
reasons and effects of their behavior to the UGT, the authors manage to

discuss the findings to next level.

Perhaps the disadvantages of this method are the difficulty in generalizing to
other subjects and selection bias. All in all, the reseachers had done the study

very well. Experts validated the questions for the interviews and because there

were two researchers in this study, the validity of the research enhanced.
The authors had declared that they have no potential conflict of interest with
respect to the research and they also didnt receive any financial support for
the research or publication of the article. Ethical concerns indeed need to be
emphasized when youre doing research. Researchers must always honest
when collecting and analyzing data.

4. Discussion and Implications

Science learning has always been my passion. The selection of this study
to be my reviewed article is the right choice because I am a primary school
teacher that teaches science. My heart dropped when the results of science in
TIMSS are decreasing every year. Malaysia does need to change the method of
teaching and learning especially in science.
The article brought my attention on the importance of media in science
learning and I did a small study to my students on their selection of media and the
reason they chose the media in science learning. I do learn a lot in the process.
The authors came out with suggestions that can be use in perfecting the role of
mass media in science learning for young students.
In the end, this study hopefully will open the eyes of teachers, parents, and
students that mass media is a significant tool in science learning that should not be
taken lightly.