Journal article
The First Paragraph Is As Good As It Gets: STEM Articles in Wikipedia and Opportunistic Learning
College Teaching, Vol.71(1), pp.56-65
2023
Abstract
Despite questions about academic rigor, undergraduates use Wikipedia for opportunistic learning: self-regulated study to learn, relearn, or be introduced to concepts. STEM topics are potentially immune from some of Wikipedia's criticism, as many are based on well-established facts. This article evaluates 28 articles from seven STEM disciplines on four criteria important for undergraduate opportunistic learners. Some articles contained inaccuracies, while common criticisms included poor conceptual development, poor procedural explanations, poor diagrams and failing to utilize internet technologies. Often, the best advice is to read the first paragraph: the rest of the article generally did not enhance opportunistic learning.
Details
- Title
- The First Paragraph Is As Good As It Gets: STEM Articles in Wikipedia and Opportunistic Learning
- Authors
- Peter K Dunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringElizabeth Brunton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringMargaret Marshman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary AccessRobert McDougall (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringDamon Kent (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringNicole Masters (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, GeneCology Research Centre - LegacyDavid McKay (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Publication details
- College Teaching, Vol.71(1), pp.56-65
- Publisher
- Routledge
- DOI
- 10.1080/87567555.2021.2004387
- ISSN
- 1930-8299
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99584806702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
34 Record Views