Motivational Effectiveness of a Scenario in IBSE

Abstract

Rapidly developed science and technology have affected the lives of us all. It is, therefore, necessary to motivate children and adults for the study of science and technology. There is expert consensus that science and technology education should be a compulsory part of the education of all children. Educators have the task of developing effective educational methods which are appropriate for teaching/learning science and technology. Inquiry based science education is a suitable method for the science education of all groups of students (gifted, ungifted students and students with other special educational needs). The motivation of students in science and technology education is the key for effectiveness in developing their knowledge and skills. We aimed to find practical motivational techniques and instruments in inquiry based science education. Our research method for the description of the state of motivation was a Delphi study, accompanied by questionnaires and interviews. We present the arguments discovered regarding why inquiry based science education represents an appropriate motivational method for science education. Our research result is that a scenario is a core motivational element in inquiry based science education. The scenario is a narrative which motivates students to solve scientific problems. We also present good examples of the use of the scenario as a part of inquiry based science education in practice developed by our design-based research. Science teachers need consistent support and access to the best methods and practice. Therefore we are implementing the scenario as an element of inquiry based science education in pre-service and in-service teacher education in the frame of the European project PROFILES.