Science Education Research Articles

Students' meaning-making in an open inquiry: two paths

AbstractIn science education, students need to work with laboratory elements that create conditions for them to learn to do science and experience the value of making meaning in this process. However, students rarely get to carry out investigations that resemble actual scientific practices. More often, they are encouraged to follow an already given knowledge structure, rather than allowed to shape it by themselves. In this study, we investigate how students' meaning-making processes develop when they work with an open inquiry with three degrees of freedom aimed at really doing science. Meaning-making in doing science involves both the typical science-content dimension and a sometimes more overlooked aesthetic dimension. Thus, to gain insight into the students' meaning-making in this, we rendered a thick description of the students' experience, including an analysis of the aesthetic dimension. We compared the processes of two student groups in year 9 and how, within their groups, they collectively made meaning of an open inquiry. The results showed how the processes took quite different turns, moving through peaks and troughs in each group. The first group began with resignation and ended up with a strong commitment towards the openness of the task. For the other group, the journey was quite the opposite. They began engaged, with a lot of ideas about a phenomenon that turned out to be impossible to create. This study shows that in this open process, the materials available and the teacher’s guidance are crucial for supporting the students’ meaning-making. This study therefore becomes an important contribution to a discussion about what is needed to help students make meaning in doing.

Science students’ understanding of the nature of science in higher education: A Norwegian case study

Views of the Nature of Science (NOS) among science students in higher education is investigated in a Norwegian university. The research utilizes the Views of the Nature of Science questionnaire version D+ (VNOS-D+), conducting a comprehensive analysis of NOS perspectives among 41 participants in STEM courses during the autumn semester of 2023. An overall decent understanding of NOS was found among all participating science students, regardless of gender, country of origin or study program. The mean values of the results for each aspect of NOS fluctuate between 1.39 and 2.68 on a scale from 0 (inadequate), 1 (naïve), 2 (transitional), to 3 (adequate) and are distributed rather homogeneously (x̄ = 2.02), although the aspect of law and theory stands out for its prevalence of naïve responses (x̄ = 1.39). No significant improvement in NOS understanding was observed with increased academic tenure in this study. The study shows promising usefulness of the VNOS-D+ questionnaire in higher education, as a valuable tool for gaining standardized insights into NOS perspectives. This research contributes to the discourse on science education by examining science students’ understandings of NOS in higher education in a previously rarely examined location.

Utilizing Language-Generating Artificial Intelligence (LGAI) in Educational Planning: A Case Study

The integration of Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT in education, while promising, remains underexplored. This study investigates the use of language-generating AI (LGAI) within K-12 instructional planning through a case study of a middle school science teacher using the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. Findings reveal that effective use of LGAI involves detailed contextual input, iterative dialogue, and selective adoption of AI-generated suggestions. The teacher’s engagement with LGAI not only enhanced lesson planning efficiency but also supported adaptive teaching methods and personalized learning experiences. This integration led to improved confidence and strategic decision-making in instructional planning. The study highlights the potential of LGAI to transform educational practices and underscores the importance of professional development to equip educators with the skills necessary to harness AI technologies effectively. These insights contribute to understanding how GenAI can augment instructional design, offering a framework for integrating technological innovations into pedagogy.

TRENDS IN CLINICAL REASONING ASSESSMENT: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS SPANNING 1974-2024

Introduction: Clinical reasoning guides diagnosis and patient care. Bibliometric analysis helps navigate scholarly publications, offering insights into trends and influential works, aiding evidence-based decisions, and improving patient outcomes. This study aims to analyze clinical reasoning assessment literature, exploring distribution across document types and languages, influential sources, volume of publications and citations, thematic clusters from author keywords, and innovative research shaping the forefront of investigation. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Scopus database as of February 10th, 2024, covering data from 1974 to the research date. Data extraction involved document types, languages, key sources, globally cited publications, and trends over time, with network visualization of author keywords. Analysis employed the Bibliometrix package in Rstudio and VOSviewer software. Reporting adhered to PRIBA guidelines by Koo & Lin. Results: The Scopus database search yielded 1827 documents, predominantly in English in the article format. Notable sources included BMC Medical Education (UK), Academic Medicine (USA), Advances in Health Sciences Education (Netherlands), and Diagnosis (Germany). Trends from 1974 to 2024 showed increasing publications and citations. Recent publications highlighted emerging themes such as artificial intelligence, electronic health records, and chatGPT, reflecting the evolving landscape of medical assessment practices. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis highlights the evolving landscape of clinical reasoning assessment within medical education, where recent trends embrace innovative methodologies like artificial intelligence, electronic health records, and chatGPT. These trends reflect a dynamic shift towards the use of technology to enhance diagnostic accuracy and decision-making processes.

The Practical Exploration of The Effective Integration Path of Zigong Dinosaur Culture and Kindergarten Curriculum

Zigong dinosaur culture is a valuable natural heritage in China, which contains rich scientific information and educational value, and also carries a profound dinosaur culture. This study explores how to integrate Zigong dinosaur culture into kindergarten curriculum, and puts forward specific implementation strategies. First of all, the article introduces the scientific and historical value of Zigong dinosaur culture, emphasizing its important role in popular science education, tourism development, and cultural exchanges. Then, it elaborates the educational value of Zigong dinosaur culture in kindergarten curriculum, including stimulating children 's interest, enhancing natural science cognition, and promoting interdisciplinary learning and cultural identity. Finally, in the part of implementation strategy, the paper puts forward some suggestions on curriculum planning, teaching activity design, teacher training and home cooperation. The research shows that through reasonable curriculum planning and teaching activity design, Zigong dinosaur culture can be effectively integrated into kindergarten education, so as to improve teaching quality and enhance children 's interest in learning. At the same time, it also provides new ideas for kindergarten curriculum reform.

Problem-Based Learning in Science Education: A Mixed Meta Method Study

A mixed-meta analysis of research on problem-based learning in science education was the goal of this study. In this instance, document analysis utilizing the mixed-meta method—which combines meta-analysis and meta-thematic analysis procedures-was used to investigate both quantitative and qualitative data. Using CMA and MetaWin programs, studies from certain databases that fit predetermined criteria were analyzed for a meta-analysis. Of the 78 studies that were included in the study, the effect size was found to be large, with g = 0.909. It has been suggested that science education benefits from the problem-based learning approach. Within the framework of the established criteria, 15 researches based on document analysis were subjected to a meta-thematic analysis using the Maxqda program in accordance with content analysis. Codes were acquired based on specific topics. By calculating the compliance values of the relevant codes under the relevant themes, a good degree of agreement was found regarding the effects of problem-based learning in science education on academic achievement, the affective-social dimension, 21st century skills, and the negative aspects of problem-based learning in science education. The research results indicate that there is a consensus among the researchers regarding the benefits of using problem-based learning techniques in science education.

Rasch model of teacher readiness instrument for implementing science learning based on Balinese local wisdom

Local culture has undergone significant shifts and alienations, leading to the neglect of societal values. This situation underscores the need for teachers to be well-prepared to incorporate local wisdom into science education, supporting Cultured-Based Learning. This study, conducted from January to June 2022, aimed to assess the relevance of items in a teacher readiness instrument for implementing local wisdom-based science learning in Bali. An ex post facto research design was employed to analyze the preparedness of 72 science teachers in Bali through a detailed questionnaire. The collected ordinal data were converted into an interval scale using the Method of Successive Interval (MSI) and analyzed using the Rasch Model with the Jamovi application to assess item relevance. The study's findings highlight the cognitive and emotional readiness of science teachers as being in the high category, while collegial support and instructional tools are in the low category. These results suggest that improving collegial features and instructional tools through lesson studies and workshops could enhance the integration of local wisdom into science education in Bali.

Learning to Support Students to Reason Through Talk: How Pedagogically (Dis)Content Teaching Assistants Use a Curriculum Guide Integrated With Professional Development

ABSTRACTGiven the potential impact of introductory science laboratories on postsecondary students' science learning, careful thinking is needed about how to support teaching assistants (TAs) to create opportunities for their students to reason about science. Research suggests that teachers are best positioned to improve their teaching practices when they recognize aspects of pedagogical discontentment and also feel they have the appropriate tools and resources to achieve their teaching goals in the future. This comparative case study examines how TAs who are pedagogically discontent or pedagogically content with their practice of supporting students to reason through talk engaged with a curriculum guide integrated with a weekly professional development (PD) program to grow their teaching practice. We found that only the pedagogically discontent TAs developed their use of ambitious talk moves to support more rigorous discussions over one semester. However, we also found that all TAs used the curriculum guide to plan opportunities for students to reason through talk. This research contributes new understandings about the role of pedagogical discontentment for TA learning of student‐centered teaching practices. This research also has implications for designing TA‐facing curriculum guides integrated with a weekly PD cycle to support TAs to develop teaching practices that support students to reason through talk.

Analysis of Students' Critical Thinking Skills Through the Pakem Learning Model in Science Subject Class VI SD Negeri 78 Palembang

Critical thinking ability is a high-level thinking ability that aims to make reasonable decisions to help the problem solving process actively and skillfully in analyzing, applying and evaluating information obtained or resulting from observations of elementary school students. The learning model is one of the important things in creating an active, creative, effective and enjoyable learning process. The PAKEM model is an appropriate model to use in the learning process. This research aims to determine the critical thinking abilities of class VI students using the PAKEM model in science learning at SD Negeri 78 Palembang. This research uses an experimental method with a quantitative approach. The subjects in this research are 25 VIC class elementary school students. Data collection techniques in this research use observation, tests, interviews and documentation. Data analysis techniques use the normality test, homogeneity test and T-Test. The results of this research found that there were 8 students with high critical thinking skills, with a score range of 85-100, getting a percentage of 32%. Medium critical thinking ability, totaling 12 students, with a score range of 75-80, got a percentage of 48% and low critical thinking ability, totaling 5 students, with a score range of 65-70, got a percentage of 20%. The results of the critical thinking skills of class VIC students using the PAKEM model in science learning at SD Negeri 78 Palembang overall students reached 82.4% in the good category.

A framework for curriculum transformation in quantum information science and technology education

The field of Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) is booming. Due to this, many new educational courses and university programs are needed in order to prepare a workforce for the developing industry. Owing to its specialist nature, teaching approaches in this field can easily become disconnected from the substantial degree of science education research which aims to support the best approaches to teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. In order to connect these two communities with a pragmatic and repeatable methodology, we have synthesised this educational research into a decision-tree based theoretical model for the transformation of QIST curricula, intended to provide a didactical perspective for practitioners. The Quantum Curriculum Transformation Framework consists of four steps: (1) choose a topic, (2) choose one or more targeted skills, (3) choose a learning goal and (4) choose a teaching approach that achieves this goal. We show how this can be done using an example curriculum and more specifically quantum teleportation as a basic concept of quantum communication within this curriculum. By approaching curriculum creation and transformation in this way, educational goals and outcomes are more clearly defined which is in the interest of the individual and the industry alike. The framework is intended to structure the narrative of QIST teaching, and with future testing and refinement it will form a basis for further research in the didactics of QIST.

Application and Use of Rhetoric in the Scientific Field of Civic Education

Studying rhetoric means discussing the concept and application of a philosophy of science in a particular scientific field. The philosophy of science is all human thoughts spontaneously respond to every problem in the context of the basic concept of the formation of a science or the relationship between one science and another for the good of mankind In this method to be able to study rhetoric as a use and application in the scientific field of civic education we can use literature study or literature study. A systematic scientific method of literature. In the explanation above, the application of rhetoric in the scientific field of civic education is a form of branch of science that aims to form good and smart citizenship in civic life. So in the delivery of civic education science in delivering learning material can be done by providing logical arguments by showing evidence directly or indirectly to be able to prove scientific Civic education application of rhetoric in scientific midwives Civic education is a branch of the discipline of law and politics packaged in education which aims to form Smart and Good Citizenship. With good, ethical, and emotional delivery supported by the delivery of strong and accurate evidence, and can argue logically in presenting the evidence.

A Survey Study on the Current Status of Professionalism of Elementary School Science Teachers in Changsha County

As the main participants in the teaching of science curriculum, the professionalism of elementary school science teachers is very important to the teaching work of teachers, the scientific literacy of students as well as the reform and development of science education. Therefore, the professional literacy of elementary school science teachers in Changsha County was thoroughly researched and analyzed from three aspects: professional affective literacy, professional knowledge literacy and professional ability literacy. Through the questionnaire survey and interviews, it was found that some science teachers have the problems of lack of professional affective literacy, single knowledge structure and low professional ability literacy. These problems are mainly attributed to the teachers’ weak sense of professional development, the limitations of curriculum teaching and implementation ability, the schools’ insufficient attention to the science curriculum, and the insufficient investment in education funding. To address these problems, this paper proposes optimization paths such as clarifying development goals, strengthening practice reflection, deepening the learning and application of the new curriculum standards, raising the importance of science curriculum teaching, and increasing the investment in science education. Through these measures, we aim to enhance the professionalism of elementary school science teachers, improve the quality of teaching, cultivate students’ scientific literacy, and promote the sustainable development of science education.

Problem-Based Learning: An Effective Teaching Method for Science Competence Development

Modern society places exceptionally high premiums on science education. To make science classes more productive, researchers and educators have experimented with a plurality of non-traditional instructional approaches that are expected to be effective in fueling students’ interest in science subjects and fostering their scientific reasoning ability and creativity. Among them, problem-based learning has been well received by teachers. Its adoption in science classrooms was first recommended by certain researchers in the 20th century (Gallagher et al., 1995). Problem-based learning enables the student to develop knowledge through analyzing and solving problems, rather than through memorizing a wealth of existing information and theories. It can help the student transition from a passive receptacle of knowledge to an active learner and a problem solver (Akınoğlu & Tandoğan, 2007). Despite there being no conclusive definition of this teaching method, the three features summarized by Akcay (2009) are deemed basic elements of problem-based learning: (i) engaging students as stakeholders in a problem situation; (ii) organizing the curriculum around this holistic problem, enabling student learning in relevant and connected ways; (iii) creating a learning environment in which teachers coach student thinking and guide student inquiry, facilitating deeper levels of understanding.

Pre-service Elementary Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge in Lesson Planning and Post-lesson Reflection Discourses on Science Classes Using Virtual and Augmented Reality Content

Pre-service Elementary Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge in Lesson Planning and Post-lesson Reflection Discourses on Science Classes Using Virtual and Augmented Reality Content

Virtual Reality and the Metaverse as Educational and Technological Mediators for Medical and Scientific Education

Virtual Reality and the Metaverse as Educational and Technological Mediators for Medical and Scientific Education

Strategies for Enhancing Young Children's Scientific Inquiry Skills

In recent years, with the continuous advancement of educational reform, the importance of scientific education in early childhood has become increasingly evident. Early childhood is a critical period for cognitive development and interest cultivation. Through scientific inquiry activities, young children’s cognitive development, problem-solving abilities, and curiosity about the surrounding world can be effectively promoted. However, the implementation of early childhood scientific inquiry education still faces numerous challenges, such as a lack of systematic theoretical guidance and insufficient strategies for improvement. This study aims to enhance the existing theoretical foundations of young children's scientific inquiry abilities and proposes specific strategies for improvement to foster the comprehensive development of children's scientific literacy.

Implementation Learning Based Project To Creativity Study PPKn Class X SMAN 14 Medan

Writing work scientific aim count influence implementation learning with a project focus to improvement creativity Study student in class X at SMAN 14 Medan. Study This started from background behind problem ie exists problem learning happens in the classroom so that hinder the learning process teaching, As for the problem the is students are less open to input where students are reluctant to change bad habits such as picking on friends, being noisy in class and not paying attention to the teacher, then students are less creative in answering questions, the average answer they say and write is the same answer and monotonous, students are less having a sense of responsibility for what is done and no lack of a sense of independence dominates the classroom, where there are only a few students who are able to complete challenges uniquely and uniquely and the rest only look at and follow the answers in book language, so that the answers given tend to be the same. This problem refers to a lack of student creativity because it shows creativity indicators. The low level of student learning creativity means that students are limited in developing themselves, this is because they do not feel the freedom of expression, so solutions must be immediately provided so that learning can take place optimally. Researchers provide a solution in the form of implementing a project-based learning model so that students are free to provide and express unique and unique ideas with supervision and guidance from the teacher. This research uses a quantitative approach with systematic data presentation regarding the assessment of statistical figures which are presented objectively and straightforwardly so that the results obtained are a real picture in the field and not the result of the researcher's subjectivity. The type of research method used is classroom action research or PTK which is carried out in two cycles, where the first cycle is carried out as a solution to problems that have not been resolved in the first cycle. Each cycle is carried out with two meetings. Classroom action research is carried out through four stages, namely the planning stage, action implementation stage, observation and reflection. The subjects in this research were students of class X IKM 5 SMAN 14 Medan with a total of 38 students in one class unit. The results in this research are with results observation about mark creativity Study student so found that's it giving action on the cycle First Not yet find maximum results and not yet passed the graduation limit namely 75%. So that researcher must carry out study cycle second. There are problems that must be solved repaired and found in implementation cycle First is a teacher lacking provide stimulus, too much explanation fast, and giving problem in missing projects concrete so that give rise to interpretation double by participants educate and collaborate group Still in threshold value 55-70 where mark the Still classified to category low value, problems in cycle I create Work The same in group less than optimal and adequate so that must given improvements to the cycle furthermore. exists significant improvement about implementation learning based project to creativity Study PPKn student Where show the average figure was 83% at meetings First with status from not enough become OK, then on to the meeting both also experienced high increase ie of 88% which shows already in category completeness and visibility Work The same in group experience increase Where the average level obtained initially only by 60% increase to 80-85%. So that can concluded that increase the show there is good influence in application of learning models based project in improvement cooperation participant educate in group.

The Prediction of Form Four Science Achievement with Online Learning and Student’s Self-Efficacy

Student’s self-efficacy and online learning is believed to reflect the confidence to master the learning of science. Proportional stratified random sampling technique was applied to 300 respondents. Quantitative survey was conducted through data collection using a set of 57-item research questions and a 30-item Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) science test. The data was analysed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 26.0. The value of alpha Cronbach reliability in online learning research questions a=0.890, self-efficacy a=0.917, and science achievement test a=0.774. Stepwise multiple regression test results indicated that online learning and student’s self-efficacy contributed 14 percent of the student science achievement, [F (2,297) = 24.246, p<.05]. The regression coefficient showed that both the variables of online learning (β=0.343), and self-efficacy (β=0.315), made a positive contribution to the science achievement of Form Four students. These findings explain that students who are at a high level of online learning and have a high level of self-efficacy also have a higher level of science achievement. It is found in this study that the main predictors of student science achievement are online learning followed by self-efficacy.

Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Conceptual Integration Understandings in Explaining the Subject of Metabolism with the Concepts of Physics and Chemistry

This study focuses on exploring pre-service science teachers’ conceptual integration understandings in explaining the subject of metabolism with the concepts of physics and chemistry. Action research was employed in this study. Nine pre-service science teachers taking the General Biology II course participated. Participants were taught metabolism considering conceptual integration. Data were collected via paper-and-pencil questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. The results showed that the pre-service science teachers could not understand physics and chemistry concepts at a sufficient level while explaining metabolism. Although the activities and practices were executed for conceptual integration in the action plan, only three participants achieved complete conceptual understanding for better conceptual integration at the end of the course in the first question. Thus, future studies could design interventions to be effective in conceptual integration. Further research could also design experimental investigations to examine how conceptual integration is necessary for establishing the relationship between science and other fields.

THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE USE OF HEALTH-SAVING TECHNOLOGIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOL

The article substantiates the theoretical foundations of the development of health-saving technologies in primary school. Methods of research: analysis of scientific and methodological literature to identify the state of research in Ukrainian pedagogical science and the peculiarities of health-saving competences of primary school students; systematisation for the arrangement of groups of tasks and health-saving technologies; generalisation for the formulation of conclusions; prognostic to determine the prospects for the development of health-saving technologies in primary school. The key health-promoting competences that primary school students should have are the following: rational nutrition skills; physical activity and hardening skills; sanitary and hygiene skills; skills of organising work and rest regimes; self-control skills; skills of motivating success and training the will; stress management skills; effective communication skills; conflict prevention skills; compassion (empathy) skills; skills of behavior under pressure; cooperation skills; skills of self-awareness and self-esteem. The principles of application of health-saving technologies in primary school are systematised: motivational support of the educational process, cooperation, individualisation and differentiation, comfort, consciousness and activity, improving life skills, continuity and continuity. Attention is paid to the means of implementing tasks related to the use of health-saving technologies in primary school: motor orientation, health-giving forces of nature, hygienic conditions. The functions of health-saving technologies in primary school are defined: formative, informative and communicative, diagnostic, adaptive, reflective, integrative. It is emphasised that the use of health-saving technologies in the educational process allows students to adapt more successfully in the educational and social space, to reveal their creative abilities, and a teacher to effectively prevent antisocial behaviour, to actively involve parents of students in the work on strengthening and preserving children’s health.