The sonification of crystals: An explorative study on the its effect on learning|SONIFICARE I CRISTALLI: UNO STUDIO ESPLORATIVO SUGLI EFFETTI SULL’APPRENDIMENTO

In the last decades, several studies have applied sonification to teaching and learning within the STEAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). This exploratory study aims to investigate the role of sonification in learning complex scientific concepts related to crystals. A sample of 36 participants was asked to study the molecular structures of Calcite, Ice, and Rock Salt. The sample was divided into three groups, each exposed to a different learning modality: «Reading + Video» vs «Reading + Audio-Video» vs «Reading + Audio». Participants were assessed in terms of overall learning and specific learning of each crystal. In addition, they were asked to evaluate the learning process for each crystal as well as the overall experience in terms of enjoyment, interest, ease, usefulness, and motivation. The results show that the «Reading + Audio» study modalities led to greater overall learning compared to the other two modes («Reading + Video» and «Reading + Audio-Video»). This was also observed for the specific learning of Ice and Rock Salt. No significant differences emerged regarding in terms of learning across the different study modalities. Finally, higher levels of learning were associated with i) a greater perception of ease and ii) a higher rating in terms of interest and motivation only in the audio-video study modalities. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the potential use of sonification as an effective tool for studying crystals.