Integrating a WebQuest in the Primary School Curriculum Using Anchored Instruction: Effect on Learning Outcomes

Abstract

Based on a literature review, a means for integrating WebQuests in day-to-day school activities is introduced using principles of Anchored Instruction. Following these ideas in an effect study, including 109 children in 4th, 5th and 6th grade, significant learning gains were found, with a large effect size. Differences in learning gain were found between groups of children from different teachers, and reading comprehension was an important predictor of learning gain. The study gives strong support for a more integrated approach in which learning to search for meaningful information and processing this information is part of the more general educational curriculum.