A Quest to Learn: The Effects of a WebQuest on Student Learning in Fourth Grade Social Studies

Abstract: This action research project was conducted to determine the effects of use of a WebQuest instructional strategy on student learning in fourth grade social studies. Participants in this study included 22 fourth graders who used a WebQuest to learn about landforms as a supplement to traditional methods of instruction. Students conducted research on landforms for fourteen consecutive days and completed a slideshow and geography letter depicting their findings. Data from the study indicated students favored using the WebQuest to learn social studies content as supplement to using textbooks and instructional worksheets. The data also indicated students acquired some content knowledge and demonstrated use of higher order thinking skills. The teacher questioned the considerable expenditure of instructional time, but considered the use of the WebQuest to be a positive approach to teaching social studies content when used as a supplement to traditional classroom instruction