Webquest: An Instructional Aid in Learning Science
By Ronaldo C. Reyes
SST I- Science Department, Barobo National High School
Barobo, Surigao del Sur
In the world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Webquests is one of the most fascinating applications for teachers. Student-centered and inquiry-based, a Webquest challenges students to explore the web for information. Rather than simply asking the students to research on a topic in irrelevant sites, the Webquest provides directed learning using a number of sites as sources of information.
By using Webquest in teaching science, students become involved in knowledge construction by proposing solutions to a real life problem, situation, or authentic tasks. It helps them develop skills for living in a knowledge-based, highly technological society. By bringing real-life context and technology to the curriculum through a project-based learning approach, students are encouraged to become independent workers, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. Webquest is not just a way of learning, but also a way for students to work together. If students learn to take responsibility for their own learning, they will form the basis for the way they will work with others in their adult life.
Webquest also allows teachers to systematically document a student’s progress and development. In making a Webquest, the teacher should see to it that the various parts are well- organized. A Webquest has the following working parts:
- Introduction - gives an overview of the activity as well as the essential questions that the whole Webquest is centered around
- Task - describes clearly what the end result of the learners' activities will be.
- Process - refers to the steps that the learners should take to finish the task.
- Evaluation - provides the learners details on how their performance will be evaluated.
- Conclusion - summarizes the students’ accomplishments.
- Credits and References - list all the sources for images, music or text used in the Webquest.
These parts are illustrated in the sample Webquest for Gas Laws.
(Published 10 November 2008, Smart Communications, Inc.)
