Scientific Competence Research Articles

The development of a national e-test on science competence for the third school level: An assessment to support learning

Selle disainipõhise uuringu eesmärk oli välja töötada e-tasemetöö, millega saaks hinnata riiklikus õppekavas määratletud III kooliastme lõpuks omandatud loodusteadusliku pädevuse taset. Ühtlasi pidi tasemetöö andma kirjeldavat tagasisidet nii õpilasele, õpetajale, lapsevanemale kui ka haridusüldsusele. Protsessi komplekssusest tingituna keskendutakse selles artiklis kitsamalt tasemetöö disainimise protsessile ja saadud lõpptulemusele ning põhjendatakse tehtud disainiotsuseid. Uurijate ja praktikute vahelises koostöös (2018–2022) jõuti uudse lahenduse – kontekstipõhise tasemetööni, mida saab kasutada üle-eestiliseks põhiuuringuks. Õpilaste saavutatud loodusteadusliku pädevuse taset kirjeldatakse neljal tasemel üheksa tunnuse abil, mis on ülevaatlikkuse nimel rühmitatud omakorda neljaks: loodusteaduslikud teadmised, uurimuslikud oskused, probleemi lahendamise ja otsuse tegemise oskused ning kommunikatsioonioskused. Tasemetöö koosneb neljast alatestist ning kokku 35 ülesandest. Summary

Indicators Associated with Scientific Production and Competencies in Clinical Nurses at a Specialized Institute, Lima-Peru

Introduction: nursing research is a scientific process that supports the practice of care by improving and generating new knowledge for incorporation into practice. However, it is limited by factors that affect the development of the research function, such as indicators that hinder the work of researchers and their investigative competencies.Objective: to determine the indicators associated with scientific production and competencies in clinical nurses at a specialized institute. Method: this was a non-experimental study with a quantitative, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of a total of 248 nurses working in a specialized institute. Two instruments were used: the Scale of Indicators Associated with Scientific Production and the Instrument of Research Competencies. Results: regarding the indicators associated with scientific production, the highest scored dimension was preparation for research production (Me=3,00, RI=1,00), and the lowest scored dimension was teamwork and network formation (Me=0,00, RI=1,00). In the variable of scientific production competencies, the lowest scored dimension was dissemination (Me=20,00, RI=8,50). Conclusions: It is evident that the nursing professional's production is limited by factors supporting research. Moreover, scientific production can be boosted by identifying its relationship with the competencies required to conduct research in health institutions

PROJECT BASED LEARNING DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS GREEN CHEMISTRY APPROACH TO SUPPORT SCIENTIFIC LITERACY OF CULINARY VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: AN INTRODUCTORY STUDY

This research aims to determine the need for PjBL learning design and learning tools that use a green chemistry approach to food additives to support the scientific literacy of culinary vocational school students. The type of research used is evaluation research using needs assessment to describe the need for learning designs that can be used to support the learning outcomes of culinary vocational school students. Data was collected in the form of a 12 question survey via Google-form with a total of six culinary vocational school teachers using purposive sampling. The results of the research found that (1) all vocational school teachers in culinary field already understand the specifics of the independent curriculum currently used and are familiar with the scientific literacy competencies listed in the general achievements; (2) 4 out of 6 teachers understand the concept of Cleanliness Health Safety Environmental Sustainability (CHSE), 5 out of 6 teachers understand green chemistry and all teachers state that there is a relationship between these two concepts; (3) 5 out of 6 teachers have implemented PjBL and; (4) all teachers stated that there was a lack of learning resources available to support scientific literacy. The results of this research show that culinary vocational school teachers need a PjBL learning design with a green chemistry approach along with learning tools to support the scientific literacy of culinary vocational school students

Design principles for integrating science practices with conceptual understanding: an example from a digital learning environment on microbial resistance to antibiotics

We aim to illustrate the use of generic design principles to attain the integrated promotion of conceptual understanding and science competences in online enquiry-oriented learning environments. Engaging students in the development of competences related to science practices in unison with nurturing rigorous understanding of the mechanisms underpinning phenomena is thought to be valuable both for making science education more relevant to students’ interests and for attaining meaningful learning outcomes. We describe the design and development of a learning environment on the socio-scientific issue of microbial resistance to antibiotics. Our effort is situated in reflective enquiry, a framework for teaching and learning in science. The learning environment seeks to promote argumentation skills and conceptual understanding of evolutionary adaptation, in unison. On the basis of theoretical grounds, we have chosen to work with five design principles, integration of epistemic practices, making evidence-based inferences, competence-oriented design, authentic and relevant context and scaffolding. The first part of the study presents the design principles that have been embedded in the learning environment and the second part provides a description of the learning environment linking the various features to the corresponding design principles. Finally, we discuss the implications of this study for research and teaching practice.

154 Leveraging Implementation Science Competencies to Establish a D&I Science Core

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs are launching D&I Science cores to provide resources and services to promote the translation of clinical evidence into practice. We developed a D&I Science Core strategic plan reflecting our research community’s needs by assessing Implementation Science (IS) competencies. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The Tufts CTSI D&I Science Core was launched in early 2023. To design services that meet research community needs, we conducted a survey and key informant interviews based on Padek etal.’s list of Implementation Science (IS) competencies. The competencies are organized into four domains (Definition, Background, and Rationale; Theory and Approaches; Design & Analysis; and Practice-Based Considerations) and categorized by expertise level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). Participants who had attended or expressed interest in a D&I interest group were asked via an email survey to rate their level of confidence in completing selected IS-related research activities, about their experience with IS research or practice, and the types of resources, services and training they desired. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Twenty researchers (20/65, 31%) submitted survey responses and six researchers participated in in-depth interviews. Survey respondents felt most confident in engaging stakeholders in IS research and least confident selecting a model or framework for a study. Results suggest that researcher capacity building is needed to: • Understand IS models and frameworks and their approaches, strengths, and limitations • Select and use models and frameworks in studies • Assemble IS teams and prepare grant proposals Suggestions for resources, services, and training, include: • Customized education to address diverse needs, knowledge levels, and learning styles • Promotion of D&I Core consultations and grant support services • Sharing of successful proposals to help researchers learn how to apply IS methods DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: A strategic workplan for the D&I Science Core was developed and implemented to address the findings. Initial emphasis is on developing easily accessible resources and timely consultations for investigators new to IS needing to apply these methods in current grant proposals, while also providing training resources for deeper skill building.

Exploring science identity among Jordanian high school students: a case study

This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the science identity scale (SIS) and to explore any differences in levels of science identity due to gender. The study sample comprised 304 male and female high school students who had completed the SIS. To achieve study objectives, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used. The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that four factors explained (40.542%) of total variance. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good model fit, and the Cronbach alpha was calculated to be 0.85 for the SIS. Finally, the results revealed statistically significant differences in the level of science identity and its subscales (science performance, science competence, science recognition, and science interest) based on the gender variable, with females scoring higher. The study recommends that teachers utilize the SIS to assess the level of science identity among students and implement teaching practices aimed at enhancing the science identity of secondary school students.

553 Creating an In-Person Workshop Series Addressing Core Team Science Principles for Early Career Investigators

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: A barrier to the proliferation of team science is that academicians are often trained in disciplinary silos where “independent” research contributions are lauded. To tackle some of the most pressing scientific challenges, dismantling silos and increasing team science training efforts that focus on early career investigators is a must. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A team science training workshop for early career investigators from varied disciplinary backgrounds was informed by a 20-item needs assessment that addressed essential team science competencies and was completed by early career investigators participating in federally funded professional development programs on our campus. During the workshop, the benefits of cross-disciplinary teaming was discussed. Strategies including team formation, team effectiveness and/or dysfunction, diagnosing team strengths and weaknesses, and teaming in community settings were discussed. Instructional methods included short presentations, video clips, case studies, group discussions, pair and share activities, and panel discussions with expert role models encouraged active learning. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The impact and value of the workshop series to participant’s professional development and knowledge of team science concepts will be evaluated before and after the workshop. Multiple Likert-scale items focused on team science competencies (e.g., confidence in your ability to carry out responsibilities specific to your role on a team, recognize when the team is not functioning well; engage team science practices in on-going research), and open-ended questions (e.g., importance of engaging community partners in academic research teams, vision of what factors contribute to an effective team science collaboration) will be completed by program participants before and after completing the workshop. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Effective collaboration among scientists with expertise in different disciplines is needed to address and solve complex scientific problems. We believe our interactive approach to team competency training sessions would work in a variety of settings and improve team skills.

Data Skills for Everyone! (?) – An Approach to Assessing the Integration of Data Literacy and Data Science Competencies in Higher Education

The proficient handling of data can undoubtedly be regarded as a key skill for the future. However, the need for data competencies is not limited to traditional professions in the information technology environment but is rather necessary across industries and work fields. Consequently, there is a call to integrate such Data Literacy and Data Science competencies into higher education teaching across the breadth of study programs. This study, descriptive in nature, sheds light for the first time on the status quo of this integration. For this purpose, a “Data Science Dictionary” has been developed, that structurally maps a corresponding curriculum of the German Informatics Society (GI). Using quantitative content analysis, more than 13,950 distinct modules from three German study programs (Business Administration, Business & Information Systems Engineering, Computer Science) at two different types of universities are examined. As a result of this comparative study, concise “teaching portfolios” are compared between disciplines, whereby the prevalence, proportion, and depth of the competencies integrated into the study programs become transparent. Thus, this approach can provide a basis for discourse on the future integration of data competencies into, e.g., business study curricula; furthermore, it can track the resulting progress in a longitudinal study.

Association of Polish Electrical Engineers and the Chamber of Licensed Experts

At the beginning of the year 2024, 65 years will have passed since the establishment of the Chamber of Experts of the Association of Polish Electrical Engineers (SEP). During this period, SEP underwent significant changes. Particularly serious changes in the conditions for practicing association expertises have occurred in recent years, along with dynamic economic and political changes in Poland. Expertise is strongly based on economic conditions and the ways in which scientific, technical and industrial competences are expanded and available in the society. In the past, these highest competencies were quite strictly limited to well-organized professional communities related to scientific and technical associations such as SEP, and federal bodies such as NOT. Competencies were also generated in the best industrial centres associated with academic polytechnic centres. Today the role of expertises in electrical, electronics and ICT engineering is undergoing significant changes.

Culture-based lesson exemplar (CBLE) on least mastered learning competencies in science 4

This study presents the development of a Culture-Based Lesson Exemplar (CBLE) in Science 4, strategically tailored to address the least mastered learning competencies, with the aim of elevating learners' proficiency. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) methodology, the research conducted an actual count of Public Grade 4 Science teachers from the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN), Schools Division of the City of Batac (SDCB), and Schools Division Office of Laoag City as its respondents. To address the research objectives, three research instruments were employed: a survey-questionnaire, content validation, and a level of acceptability assessment. The CBLE in Science 4 is meticulously crafted to facilitate teachers' guided comprehension of scientific concepts and enhance Grade 4 pupils' mastery of the subject matter. This instructional material seamlessly integrates local icons, narratives, resources, and scenarios that reflect the rich Ilocano culture while preserving the core scientific concepts. The CBLE underwent rigorous content validation, encompassing objectives, content alignment, values formation, technical attributes, and instructional quality. Furthermore, its level of acceptability was gauged through the input of a group of end-users. The research findings indicate that the proposed CBLE demonstrates very high validity and garners a high level of acceptability. Consequently, this meticulously developed material serves as an invaluable supplementary resource for educators aiming to enhance the mastery, performance, and comprehension of Grade 4 learners in science. The validation process yielded an overall mean rating of 4.75, affirming the practical utility and quality of the developed material for educational purposes.

Development of the ability of future science teachers to put the environmental component into practice

A shift of the science and technology from eco-unfriendly to nature-friendly is reflected in environmental education, which is aimed at improving of the moral values, consumption structure and relationship between human and nature. The purpose of research is to consider the directions of development of the ability of the students to put the environmental component of education into practice upon learning the teaching of the subjects in the higher education institutions. The author discusses the changes being made in the last update of the chemistry curriculum for the secondary school (2017) in accordance with the conception “New Ukrainian school 2016”, dealing with the requirements for the development of the key subject competencies as well as the new structural element of the program “Through content lines” intended to the implementation of the competency-based approach in teaching chemistry. The author suggests that the deep understanding of these changes by the students, especially in the course of mastering by the students such a core competencies as “Environmental awareness and healthy lifestyle”, “Basic competencies in science and technology” is an essential requirement for development of being able to put the environmental component of education into a future practice, that performs in two ways: project-based learning and competency-based learning with the focus on the green tasks.Project-based learning as an educational approach combines research, creative and problem-solving techniques. It was found that combined use of these methods at the different steps of projects life cycles allows shifting the focus from just reproduction of an array of knowledge by the students to the motivative educational journey, which encourages cognitive interest and promotes thinking of the future teachers.Carrying out the projects on various topics, resolving the competency-targeted tasks, cross-disciplinary approach assumes sequentially structured work of the students on solving some tasks that is generally aimed at development of the students’ ability to put the environmental component of education into future practice.

Learning scientific observation with worked examples in a digital learning environment

Science education often aims to increase learners’ acquisition of fundamental principles, such as learning the basic steps of scientific methods. Worked examples (WE) have proven particularly useful for supporting the development of such cognitive schemas and successive actions in order to avoid using up more cognitive resources than are necessary. Therefore, we investigated the extent to which heuristic WE are beneficial for supporting the acquisition of a basic scientific methodological skill—conducting scientific observation. The current study has a one-factorial, quasi-experimental, comparative research design and was conducted as a field experiment. Sixty two students of a German University learned about scientific observation steps during a course on applying a fluvial audit, in which several sections of a river were classified based on specific morphological characteristics. In the two experimental groups scientific observation was supported either via faded WE or via non-faded WE both presented as short videos. The control group did not receive support via WE. We assessed factual and applied knowledge acquisition regarding scientific observation, motivational aspects and cognitive load. The results suggest that WE promoted knowledge application: Learners from both experimental groups were able to perform the individual steps of scientific observation more accurately. Fading of WE did not show any additional advantage compared to the non-faded version in this regard. Furthermore, the descriptive results reveal higher motivation and reduced extraneous cognitive load within the experimental groups, but none of these differences were statistically significant. Our findings add to existing evidence that WE may be useful to establish scientific competences.

Experimental competence formation in chemistry teacher training

Relevance. The research relevance is determined by the need to adapt the educational system to the rapidly changing requirements of the labour market and technological progress. Purpose. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of analytical chemistry training programmes in leading universities of Kazakhstan from the point of view of developing the scientific competence of students necessary for employment. Methodology. The study employs comparative, qualitative, and statistical analyses, questionnaires, surveys and observation. Results. The study examines the role of universities in training analytical specialists. The requirements of the labour market and academic institutions for candidates for positions in analytical chemistry, as well as the current state of research and development in training, were considered. The findings showed that many university graduates trained in analytical chemistry prefer not to go to work in industry or factory laboratories, but plan to stay in academia and continue their research. This indicates the need to revise curricula to better meet the requirements of the labour market and academic institutions. Problems and gaps in current programmes and methods of teaching analytical chemistry at universities in Kazakhstan have been identified. Approaches to strengthening the practical component of courses have been critically analysed, considering the current requirements and assessments of industry specialists. Conclusions. The study highlighted the high demand for qualified specialists, emphasizing that the issue lies not in the shortage of vacancies but in the level of training. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that its results can be used to modernise the system of education in the field of analytical chemistry and improve curricula and teaching methods. This, in turn, will help to improve the quality of training of analytical chemists who will be able to meet the needs of the labour market and scientific institutions. Keywords: active learning; analysis methodology; students; specialist qualifications; researchers

Enhancing evidence-based practice into healthcare: Exploring the role of scientific skills in occupational therapists-

Background Research utilization and evidence-based practice (EBP) in occupational therapy rely on essential scientific skills. Despite prior research exploring factors influencing EBP, a gap remains in understanding the specific scientific competencies crucial for effective EBP application. Objectives To (1) describe the level of scientific skills for EBP and research application, and (2) investigate the factors influencing higher scientific competence among 1159 Spanish-speaking occupational therapists. Material and Methods We assessed the scientific skills using the HACTO-Screen online survey. Recruitment was conducted through a non-probability convenience sampling method between April to June 2020, using social networks and email dissemination to education and professional organizations in Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. Results Out of a total score of 115 points, participants showed a moderate level of scientific skills (mean: 62.7, SD: 21.6), with literature searching skills ranking the highest and scientific writing skills ranking the lowest. Associations were found between greater scientific competence and advanced degrees, ongoing research training, and on-the-job research. Conclusions Continuous research training, higher academic degrees, and active research engagement are essential for enhancing scientific competence among occupational therapists. Significance Targeted training to enhance scientific skills and promote research utilization are crucial in advancing EBP in occupational therapy.

The V-BRCH Project: Strengthening HIV Research Capacity in Nigeria through Intensive Workshops in Implementation Science and Grant Writing.

As persons with HIV live longer as the result of antiretroviral therapy, morbidity from HIV-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing. The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Building Research Capacity in HIV and Noncommunicable Diseases program is a training platform created with the goal of training a cohort of successful Nigerian investigators to become leaders in HIV-associated NCD research. We describe survey findings from two week-long workshops in Kano, Nigeria, where trainees received instruction in implementation science and grant writing. Surveys assessed participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence in topics taught during these workshops. Thirty-seven participants (all assistant professors) attended the implementation science workshop; 30 attended the grant-writing workshop. Response rates for the implementation science workshop were 89.2% for the preworkshop survey and 91.9% for the postworkshop survey. For the grant-writing workshop, these values were 88.2% and 85.3%, respectively. Improvement in participant knowledge and confidence was observed in every domain measured for both workshops. On average, a 101.4% increase in knowledge and a 118.0% increase in confidence was observed across measured domains among participants in the implementation science workshop. For the grant-writing workshop, there was a 68.8% increase in knowledge and a 70.3% increase in confidence observed. Participants rated the workshops and instructors as effective for both workshops. These workshops improved participants' knowledge and competence in implementation science and grant writing, and provide a model for training programs that aim to provide physician scientists with the skills needed to compete for independent funding, conduct locally relevant research, and disseminate research findings.

Analisis Kemampuan Literasi Kimia Mahasiswa melalui Pemberian Soal Berbasis Kontekstual

This research aims to analyze the chemical literacy abilities of students in the Department of Chemistry, Education Class B, UNM Class of 2022, by providing contextual-based exam questions and student response questionnaires using quantitative descriptive analysis methods. The results of the study showed that 84% of the student sample had chemical literacy skills in the medium category, with a score of 42.07 when given contextual-based exam questions. The results of scientific competence as measured in scientific literacy can be improved by routinely providing students with reading material about chemical literacy that is related to scientific phenomena and is appropriate to the context of everyday life. Knowledge of the chemistry learning context and interpreting accurate data emphasizes the use of scientific principles to solve problems according to their application in everyday life, based on student competence in using scientific evidence. There is great enthusiasm for implementing contextual learning, as seen in the questionnaire results of responses given by students through contextual-based questions, which can help students pay attention to what they are learning.

Component-structural Model of Formation of Scientific Competence of Future Teachers of Choreography in the Process of Professional Training

In the article, the author investigated the essence of the definitions of “model”, “scientific competence”, “professional training”, theoretically justified, implemented and experimentally tested the model of the formation of scientific competence of future choreography teachers in the process of professional training. It is proved that the formation of scientific competence of future teachers of choreography is possible under appropriate conditions, which include principles, approaches, content, forms, methods, means, technologies, criteria, levels, and pedagogical conditions aimed at increasing the level of effectiveness of the formation of the specified phenomenon. The model of the formation of the scientific competence of future teachers of choreographic disciplines in the process of professional training should be considered as a sample concept.

Development of a tool for assessing the clinical competency of Chinese master’s nursing students based on the mini-CEX: a Delphi method study

ObjectiveTo construct a scientific and systematic competency evaluation tool for master of nursing specialists (MNS) and to provide a reference for the training, assessment and competency evaluation of MNS.MethodsA first...

Assessment of scientific literacy levels among secondary school students in Lebanon: Exploring gender-based differences

In recent years, educational reforms have made scientific literacy a major priority because of its increasing importance in today’s dynamic world. Program for international student assessment 2015 evaluated scientific literacy from 72 countries, and Lebanon ranked 65th. Scientific literacy levels among Lebanese secondary school students and gender differences are unknown. This study fills this research gap. A total of 130 students from Lebanon’s private secondary schools were involved in this research. Scientific literacy levels were assessed using an instrument developed by Gormally et al. (2012), who conceptualized nine science competencies contributing to scientific literacy including understanding research designs, creating and interpreting graphs, and solving quantitative problems. Welch’s ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. Lebanese secondary school students have very low scientific literacy levels, and no significant difference was observed between genders. We present recommendations for adding desired skills to the curriculum based on a review of the underlying factors.

Unravelling the skills of data scientists: A text mining analysis of Dutch university master programs in data science and artificial intelligence.

The growing demand for data scientists in both the global and Dutch labour markets has led to an increase in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) master programs offered by universities. However, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the specific skills of data scientists. This study addresses this issue by employing Correlated Topic Modeling (CTM) to analyse the content of 41 master programs offered by 11 Dutch universities and an interuniversity combined program. We assess the differences and similarities in the core skills taught by these programs, determine the subject-specific and general nature of the skills, and provide a comparison between the different types of universities offering these programs. Our analysis reveals that data processing, statistics, research, and ethics are the core competencies in Dutch data science and AI master programs. General universities tend to focus on research skills, while technical universities lean more towards IT and electronics skills. Broad-focussed data science and AI programs generally concentrate on data processing, information technology, electronics, and research, while subject-specific programs give priority to statistics and ethics. This research enhances the understanding of the diverse skills of Dutch data science graduates, providing valuable insights for employers, academic institutions, and prospective students.