Changing dimensions: the impact of making models on Year 10 students’ understanding of Greek temples when studying Classical Civilisation

This study explores the introduction of ‘active learning’, particularly model-making, into the classroom of a mixed comprehensive state school. It
focuses on the impact of ‘active learning’ on student engagement and
skill-building (including independent-thinking, reflection and resilience). It
also assesses whether model making can influence student understanding of
Classical temples as 3-dimensional buildings. The findings showed that
overall student engagement increased and that students developed
important thinking skills. These findings applied particularly to students
who are disadvantaged in some way. However, it is unclear whether
students’ understanding of the 3D nature of Classical temples was
enhanced. Further research might assess the impact of ‘active learning’ on
student information-retention.