Enhancing scientific communication skills in junior high school pupils: A mixed methods investigation of engineering design process tools

Effective scientific communication is crucial for effective science education, as it allows for the sharing of ideas and research findings. This study investigates the impact of the Engineering Design Process (EDP) on pupils' scientific communication skills. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining both quantitative and qualitative data to assess the effectiveness of EDP tools in improving communication skills. The study involved 68 eighth-grade pupils, with 12 selected for in-depth observation to better understand the development of their communication abilities. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to measure improvement in scientific communication skills. Additionally, the Systematic Gravity (SG) method was applied to analyse the qualitative progression of these skills. The results showed that EDP tools positively influenced pupils' communication abilities, with a gradual shift towards more effective scientific communication (SG ++). These findings suggest that EDP tools can be an effective strategy for educators to enhance learners' problem-solving and communication skills. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended to confirm and expand these findings.