Applying the Rasch Model to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating multiple intelligences theory in informal science learning using The Mobile Science Lab Program

Abstract

Informal Science Learning was conducted through the Mobile Science Lab Program. The program is a community program conducted by lecturers from the School of Educational Studies (SES) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and supported by students and members of staff as facilitators. The program contains 12 mini stations that could be set up in the school ground or in the school hall. Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory was incorporated into informal science learning activities of Mobile Science Lab Program. This study was carried out to evaluate the eff ectiveness of incorporating MI theory into informal science learning using the Rasch Model with 300 primary school students of Penang, Malaysia, who involved in this program. Results showed that students’ excitement and interest toward science after experiencing informal science learning through the Mobile Science Lab Program had increased. Results also showed that improvements in the Mobile Science Lab Program need to be made from the learning prespective. This study showed that Mobile Science Lab Program is a successful educational program in informal setting and MI theory is eff ective when incorporate with informal science learning in the Mobile Science Lab Program.