The First Paragraph Is As Good As It Gets: STEM Articles in Wikipedia and Opportunistic Learning

Peter K Dunn; Elizabeth Brunton; Margaret Marshman; Robert McDougall; Damon Kent; Nicole Masters; David McKay

doi:10.1080/87567555.2021.2004387

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The First Paragraph Is As Good As It Gets: STEM Articles in Wikipedia and Opportunistic Learning

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The First Paragraph Is As Good As It Gets: STEM Articles in Wikipedia and Opportunistic Learning

Peter K Dunn, Elizabeth Brunton, Margaret Marshman, Robert McDougall, Damon Kent, Nicole Masters and David McKay

College Teaching, Vol.71(1), pp.56-65

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/87567555.2021.2004387

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Abstract

Learning

opportunistic learners

STEM

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 Engineering
Elizabeth Brunton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Margaret Marshman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary Access
Robert McDougall (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Damon Kent (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Nicole Masters (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy
David 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
Date published: 2023
DOI: 10.1080/87567555.2021.2004387
ISSN: 1930-8299
Organisation Unit: School of Health; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation; STEM in Education Research Theme; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99584806702621
Output Type: Journal article

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