Table 3 SCLEQ list of terms, CA, CR, AVE, and Loadings adapted from (Aldridge et al., 2000; Luckay & Laugksch, 2015; Sultan et al., 2011)

CA = .718

CR = .826

AVE = .535

INV1

I am asked to think about the supporting facts for statements. (item deleted)

0.538

INV2

I carry out investigations to answer questions coming from discussions

0.736

INV3

I explain the meaning of statements, diagrams, and graphs. (item deleted)

0.564

INV4

I carry out investigations to answer the teacher’s questions

0.709

INV5

I find out answers to questions by doing investigations

0.741

INV6

I find a solution for problems related to social phenomena by using information and data obtained from investigations

0.593

Learning about the world (relevancy)

CA = .721

CR = .827

AVE = .544

REL1

I learn about the world inside and outside of school

0.780

REL2

My new learning starts with questions or problems about the real world outside of school

0.709

REL3

I get a better understanding of the world outside of school

0.732

REL4

I learn interesting things about the world inside and outside of school

0.727

Learning about the research process (uncertainty)

CA = .521

CR = .758

AVE = .414

UNC1

I learn that social science has changed over time

0.786

UNC2

I learn that social science subjects are influenced by peoples’ values and opinions

0.716

UNC3

I learn that social science cannot always provide answers to real-life problems. (item deleted)

0.417

 < 0.5

UNC4

I learn that classroom activities are a way to seek better answers and generate new questions

0.593

Learning to speak out (critical voice)

CA = 0.633

CR = .803

AVE = .498

CRI1

It’s OK for me to ask the teacher, “why do I have to learn this?” or how I am being taught. (item deleted)

0.611

CRI2

It’s OK for me to ask my teacher for clarification about activities that are confusing

0.753

CRI3

My teacher encourages me to ask questions to clarify ideas or to deepen my understanding

0.760

CRI4

It’s OK for me to speak up for my rights

0.687

Learning to learn (shared control)

CA = .763

CR = .850

AVE = .590

SHA1

I help the teacher to plan what I am going to learn

0.813

SHA2

I help the teacher to decide how well I am learning

0.828

SHA3

I help the teacher to decide which activities work best for me

0.812

SHA4

I let the teacher know when I need more or less time to complete assignments

0.595

Learning to Share (Student negotiation)

CA = .710

CR = .821

AVE = .535

NEG1

I talk with other students about how to solve social problems

0.719

NEG2

I ask other students to explain their ideas

0.788

NEG3

I am asked by other students to explain my ideas

0.737

NEG4

My teacher encourages me to raise issues and ask questions with other students in order to clarify and inform our thinking

0.677

Respect for difference

CA = .813

CR = .871

AVE = .575

RES1

I am aware that my classmates have different opinions about topics related to social science

0.646

RES2

I listen to my classmates’ opinions about social science topics

0.784

RES3

Before I agree or disagree with my classmates’ opinions about social science topics, I first think about what they said

0.785

RES4

I try to understand my classmates’ opinions about social science topics

0.815

RES5

I respect my classmates’ opinions about social science topics

0.750

Perceived e-Learning Outcome (Student Experience)

CA = .822

CR = .882

AVE = .652

eLEAR1

Using e-learning resources improved my critical thinking

0.804

eLEAR2

The e-learning resources help me understand the subject contents more in-depth

0.863

eLEAR3

I enjoy using different learning modes to learn

0.739

eLEAR4

The e-learning resources help me understand the subject contents quicker

0.819