Future Science Teachers Research Articles

IŠLYGINAMIEJI KURSAI BŪSIMIESIEMS GAMTOS MOKSLŲ IR MATEMATIKOS MOKYTOJAMS: TARPTAUTINIS PROJEKTAS „BRIDGE2TEACH“

Qualitative preparation of pre-service teachers remains an actual problem. Appropriate school preparation is important for studying at university. This is very actual for future natural science teachers because the candidates of very different knowledge and ability level enter Lithuanian (and not only) universities. Such condition is presupposed by Lithuanian (and not only) general secondary education system because all natural science subjects (physics, chemistry and biology) are compulsory up to the 10th form, and in the 11th -12th (3rd -4th gymnasium) classes, only one of all natural science subjects is compulsory, or an integrated natural science course. Besides, students taking into consideration their needs and inclinations can choose general or extended natural science – biology, chemistry or physics course. Five university scientist groups carrying out an international project “Developing Bridging Courses for Mathematics and Science Teacher Students/Bridge2Teach/” started solving this problem. The aim of the project is to create, test and develop the bridging courses designed for the preparation of mathematics and natural science teachers. In this way, it is sought to do away with the gap between what was learnt at school, and what is necessary starting the studies at university. In Siauliai university, for the pre-srvice Integrated natural science teacher knowledge consolidation, 12 ECTS credits course Holistic natural phenomena conception is foreseen in the programme, by which, filling the gaps in natural science knowledge, it is sought to form entire, holistic world cognition, to motivate students for deeper natural science understanding and interpretation, to awaken willingness to explore. The studies of this course are organised so that every student should have a possibility to acquire lacking natural science knowledge, to extend it, and to actualise. All Siauliai university study programme Integrated natural science pedagogy students, having participated in the survey, unanimously pointed out that having started studies at university, at a different level they felt gaps in natural science and mathematics knowledge and abilities. As the main solution way of such a problem, the students indicated bridging course organisation for the first course students, accentuating that for successful studies at university, general and even extended mastering of the school course is necessary. Having generalised teachers’ who participated in the expert survey answers about bridging courses for students in natural science and mathematics and their need, one can claim that students, who enter higher education, have school knowledge gaps, which could be at least partly fulfilled by properly prepared and realised bridging courses. Lecturers experts claim that bridging course content depends on the chosen study direction (even on the study programme) because, basically, the necessary knowledge for the students having chosen different study programmes differs. They accentuate that such course demand for every future student should be individual; they note that to include such course in study programmes is problematic. Keywords: bridging course, international project, mathematics course, science course, science education.

The Effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom in a Teacher Training Context

The flipped classroom is a model of teaching in which activities traditionally conducted in the classroom become homework activities, and activities that normally constitute homework become classroom activities. This pedagogical model has been proposed in several studies as an alternative educational approach to conventional methods, but its effectiveness in improving outcomes is disputed. To test the effectiveness of this model, we followed a semi-experimental approach, using a pre- and post-test. A group of future life and earth science teachers from an experimental classroom (n = 62) was trained using the flipped classroom approach. However, the trainees in the control class (n = 62) followed traditional teaching. Pre- and post-test results were analyzed using the t-test to assess the effectiveness of this teaching model. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the pre-test, indicating that the two groups were equivalent prior to our intervention. However, a statistically significant difference was recorded in the post-test in favor of the experimental group members, particularly for questions related to knowledge manipulation. For the questions assessing the degree of knowledge acquisition, we found no significant difference between the two groups. We could therefore conclude that the integration of the flipped classroom in a training situation for future teachers has a positive effect on the improvement of learning performance. This approach can also serve as a means of varying our teaching practices and benefiting from the advantages of distance learning.

O PAPEL DA MULHER NA CIÊNCIA: O CONHECIMENTO PEDAGÓGICO DO CONTEÚDO DE UMA FUTURA PROFESSORA DE CIÊNCIAS MOBILIZADO NA CONSTRUÇÃO DE UMA SEQUÊNCIA DIDÁTICA

Questões relacionadas ao como ensinar temas sobre a Ciência são recorrentes no campo da Didática das Ciências. Estas questões perpassam no como os professores de Ciências pensam e elaboram estratégias didáticas com esse objetivo. Nesse estudo, apresentamos como uma futura professora de Ciências mobiliza seu conhecimento pedagógico do conteúdo para tal finalidade e, em especial, na discussão do papel da mulher na Ciência. A partir da construção de uma sequência didática, com estes fins, e na resolução de um questionário específico para acessar o conhecimento pedagógico do conteúdo; podemos mostrar que alguns conhecimentos são potencializados na tarefa e outros se mostraram deficitários, como, por exemplo, os relacionados às estratégias didáticas e a avaliação, respectivamente. Por fim, mais atividades que busquem potencializar a mobilização do conhecimento pedagógico do conteúdo dos professores, principalmente na produção de atividades com o intuito de ensinar temas sobre a Ciência, devem ser pensadas e discutidas nos cursos de formação de professores.

STEM Facilitators Training Programme: Trainee Teachers’ Perceptions of the Impact on their Personal Growth as Future Teachers

This study was conducted to find out the perceptions of Science and Mathematics trainee teachers on STEM Facilitator Training Program (SFTP) and to examine the impacts of SFTP on their personal growth as future teachers. The study employed a mixed-method design in which the data of the study were gathered through a short survey and group interview. The number of samples used for each method was dissimilar. 125 samples were selected by using stratified random sampling to answer the survey. The reliability of instruments used was determined by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.944 > 0.6. indicating that the items used are highly reliable. Additionally, the researchers selected 6 pre-service teachers (3 respondents represented Science and Mathematics programmes respectively) to be involved in a semi-structured group interview. The study noted that they had high positive perception towards the programme. The design training programmes were suitable for the pre-service teachers as there is no significant difference in the respondents’ perceptions. Irrespective of the semesters, the results specify that there is no difference in terms of their perception after participating in the programme. The pre-service teachers joined the program as most of them saw SFTP as a good platform to expand their ability as future teachers and to have a real experience dealing with school students. The study also reported that there were several skills and knowledge that the respondents gained throughout their involvement in SFTP. It is clear that SFTP has impacted the personal growth of the respondents as future teachers as they claimed to be more confident in delivering Science and Mathematics content, were able to speak with more control and order, found that their instruction had improved and knew the important aspects needed to give an effective delivery in class. Overall, they believed SFTP had helped them improve their skills as future Science and Mathematics teachers.
 Keywords: STEM Teachers, STEM Education, Teacher Training, Pre – service Teachers

EXPLORING RELATIONS AMONG PRE-SERVICE SCIENCE TEACHERS’ MOTIVATIONAL BELIEFS, LEARNING STRATEGIES AND CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING ENVIRONMENT PERCEPTIONS THROUGH UNSUPERVISED DATA MINING

Educational data mining is a developing research trend for exploring hidden patterns and natural associations among a set of student, teacher or school related variables. Discovering profiles of preservice science teachers using data mining methods would give important information about quality of teacher education programs and future science teachers’ performance. The aim of this research was to describe characteristics of preservice science teachers and to explore the relations among their motivational beliefs, learning strategy use, and constructivist learning environment perceptions. Participants included 480 preservice science teachers in their final semester of the teacher education program. Data were gathered using Demographic Questionnaire, Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire, Achievement Goal Questionnaire and Constructivist Learning Environment Scale. Findings of clustering analysis revealed gender as a discriminating factor between the obtained two natural groups. Preservice science teachers’ characteristics including background characteristics, motivational beliefs, strategy use and constructivist learning environment perceptions were grouped into two clusters, namely males and females. Moreover, the association rules mining analysis revealed strong relations among preservice science teachers’ motivational beliefs, learning strategy use, and constructivist learning environment perceptions. This research provided many important findings that can be useful for further decision-making strategies. Keywords: constructivist learning environment, data mining, learning strategies, motivational belief, pre-service science teacher

STRUCTURAL AND LOGICAL MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE TO LEARNING COMPUTATIONAL INFORMATICS

In order to reveal the structure of the process of developing the professional competence of a future computer science teacher when teaching computer science, we will use modeling as a method of cognition of complex objects, processes and phenomena. In order to develop the professional competence of a future computer science teacher in the process of teaching computer science, a structural and logical model was developed. This article is devoted to the creation of a structural and logical model for the development of professional competence of future computer science teachers in the process of teaching computer science at a pedagogical University. The developed model includes a target, content, organizational-activity, and performance-criteria block. The methodological basis for designing a structural and logical model for the development of information and computing competence of a future computer science teacher was the system, activity, and competence approaches. Each block of the structural and logical model has functions, content, and methodological features. The levels of formation of information and computing competence of future computer science teachers are represented by low, medium and high levels.

ON THE ISSUE OF TRAINING FUTURE COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHERS IN COMPUTER

The article discusses of training future computer science teachers in computer networks based on network simulation. Analysis of scientific and pedagogical and educational literature has shown that in the training of computer science teachers, computer networks are studied in the aspect of information simulation of their structures, while simulation the processes of their functioning is not given due attention, despite the possibility of its use in the organization of training. Most educational institutions face organizational, technical and material difficulties when organizing training in computer networks on real equipment. The above-mentioned difficulties in training future computer science teachers in computer networks can be avoided by using network simulation. By network simulation, we mean reproducing a dynamic image of the main network components (network cables, switches, hubs, routers, etc.) and visualization the processes of their configuration and operation on the computer screen.

FORMATION FUTURE COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHERS’ COMMUNICATIVE ABILITIES IN STUDYING INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)

To date, several trends in digital technologies have been identified, among which the Internet of Things stands out – a network of digital devices and devices that interact via the Internet. The application areas of the Internet of Things are very wide: industrial technologies, remote service and survival technologies, educational technologies. Modern digital technologies should be introduced into the content of technological education in schools and in the training of computer science teachers. This need is also determined by the currently implemented national projects "Digital Kazakhstan" and "Education". The purpose of the article is to consider the Internet of Things as the content of technological education of future computer science teachers. The article will focus on the formation and development of professional ICT (information and communication technologies) qualifications of the future computer science teacher when teaching the Internet of Things in higher education institutions. When teaching the Internet of Things (IoT), the problems that may arise are taken into account, and it is described how this affects the information and communication skills of the future teacher.

METHODOLOGICAL SYSTEM OF TRAINING FUTURE INFORMATICS TEACHERS ON THE BASICS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The article presents a methodological system for training future Informatics teachers on the basics of artificial intelligence. Currently, artificial intelligence is being used in various fields, from the presentation of knowledge to the development of expert systems, intellectual games and robotics tools. In this case, there is a problem of developing a methodological system for training future Informatics teachers based on elements of artificial intelligence in pedagogical educational institutions. This proposed to solve this problem using the method of problem-based learning and combining theory with practice from the point of view of critical thinking technology. Modern analytical platforms, intelligent training systems, and expert systems are used as training tools. The educational content of the basics of artificial intelligence is built on the basis of systematic, fundamental and interdisciplinary approaches. This made it possible to determine the goals of teaching future computer science teachers the basics of artificial intelligence, reveal the requirements for the formation of concepts in the field of artificial intelligence, identify the basic knowledge system that allows you to teach elements of artificial intelligence in a computer science course. The article describes the results of the implementation of the methodological system for training future computer science teachers on the basics of artificial intelligence in the educational process.

EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF PEDAGOGICAL CONDITIONS OF TRAINING OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES FOR THE ORGANIZATIONS OF SAFE LIFE ACTIVITIES OF SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

The article, based on the analysis of theoretical literature, characterizes the pedagogical conditions of preparation of future teachers of natural sciences for the organization of safe living of high school students. The results of the pedagogical experiment on checking the effectiveness of pedagogical conditions of preparation of future science teachers for the organization of safe living of high school students are highlighted. It was found that after the formative stage of the pedagogical experiment, during which certain pedagogical conditions were implemented, the elementary level in the control group of students decreased by 0.99%, in the experimental - by 11.39%; sufficient level in the control group decreased by 0.98%, in the experimental group - by 10.40%. High level indicators: in the control group the number of students increased by 1.97%, in the experimental group - by 21.77%.

Professional training intended for the future bachelors of Natural Sciences: regarding the issue of structure and component composition of the subject competence in Biology

The success of modern transformational changes in public life depends crucially on the quality of professional training of future professionals. In this view, under conditions of reforming the Ukrainian society, a social significance of a competent specialist is extremely growing. An important area of transformational changes is the training of future teachers on a competence basis, which is conditioned by qualitative features of the competence-based paradigm in the context of modern socio-economic and spiritual development of society, changes in the nature and content of work, complexity as well as increasing requirements to performance results, on the one hand; and on the other hand – by the need to more quickly overcome the negative phenomena occurring in the system of training future professionals. The modern labour market, above all, provides for the presence of a professionally competent worker who is fluent in the profession-centred assignments and well-oriented in related fields, ready for continuous personal growth, social and professional mobility. These requirements can be fully applied to the training intended for the future teachers. At the same time, since the future specialist of any profession begins with the school, namely "the school stands for their teacher", the solution of these complicated problems depends entirely on the teacher, the quality of his / her training. As the teacher’s professional activity under conditions of the New Ukrainian school is filled with qualitatively new content, conditioned by the new demands of the society, the professional requirements to the training of the future teacher are significantly strengthened. This outlines a radical change in approaches to the process of professional training intended for future teachers. This is the general pedagogical core of this training that is important, because it deals with the equipping of students with knowledge of the basics of pedagogical theory and school practice, the development of professional thinking, the developed pedagogical skills and abilities to implement social functions alongside the subject component of the professional development aimed at mastering the logic of deploying the specifics of the content. Based on the understanding that each subject, including Biology in particular, is a means of developing the student's personality; the problem of forming future Natural Science teachers’ subject competence in Biology is becoming extremely important. This also requires the expansion of scientific knowledge about the structure of originality, in particular the subject competence in Biology under conditions of the bachelor courses, where basic higher education is obtained.

TRAINING FUTURE TEACHERS TO USE PROJECT TECHNOLOGY IN THE TEACHING OF NATURAL SCIENCES

The article reveals the essence and significance of project technology in the teaching of natural sciences in the New Ukrainian school, actualizes the problem of training future teachers to use project technology in the teaching of natural sciences. It is determined that the project method is a learning technology focused not on the integration of factual knowledge, but on their use and acquisition of new knowledge and skills (sometimes through self-education) in the process of performing practical tasks. The article describes the features of projects and their types. Emphasis is placed on educational projects provided by the school curriculum in natural subjects (physics, chemistry, biology). It has been found that the features of project technology are action-oriented, teamwork, self-organization of students, situational orientation, correlation with real life, reliance on previous achievements of each student, their existing experience, interdisciplinary, integrity, focus on the finished product, and a certain result. The main stages of project implementation in general secondary education institutions are analyzed (initiation, work planning, project implementation, project presentation, project reflection, evaluation of results). The advantages of project technology are established: stimulation of students’ independent activity, improvement of information retrieval skills, intensification of research and creative activity of schoolchildren, provision of students’ need for self-realization and self-development, the practical significance of work results, a real result. Sciences allow them not only to acquire new knowledge, to understand the interdisciplinary links in science education, to improve design skills, but also to learn to methodically organize the project activities of pupils and perform interdisciplinary learning projects. That is, the preparation of future science teachers for the application of project technology in professional activities is a mandatory component of their professional training in a higher education institution.

The digitalization of training of bachelors - the future science teachers

The types of digitalization in the training of bachelors - the future science teachers are identified. The peculiarity of digitization of methodological training of future teachers is considered on the example of the author’s digital educational resource of chemical education. The technology of working with the developed digital resource is presented.

Готовность современного учителя информатики к инновационной деятельности

The article examined the preparedness of a modern computer science teacher for innovation, its innovative culture. It is concluded that innovative culture, as part of professional activity, significantly affects the general culture of a future computer science teacher, relying on the country's cultural traditions and on the experience of successful innovative activities in other countries. The innovative susceptibility of the future teacher of computer science is one of the main requirements for the future professional, since susceptibility is the necessary condition for the success of ongoing changes in the system of higher education.

Contribuições de atividades prático-experimentais para a formação de professores: reflexões a partir de um projeto de iniciação à docência em biologia

O caráter experimental da educação científica é um traço distintivo das demais áreas. As atividades prático-experimentais são utilizadas em aulas de Ciências para que estudantes da educação básica compreendam aspectos da natureza da Ciência, exercitem o raciocínio lógico e desenvolvam habilidades cognitivas relacionadas aos conhecimentos científicos. Neste trabalho realizamos uma avaliação das contribuições das atividades prático-experimentais elaboradas e executadas por licenciandos em Ciências Biológicas para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem na prática da docência e para a formação inicial dos futuros professores. O cenário investigado foi o de um Subprojeto de Biologia da PIBID-CAPES cujas ações foram desenvolvidas em um colégio estadual do RJ com a participação de dez bolsistas no ano de 2017. As avaliações das atividades foram feitas por meio de três instrumentos: avaliações das atividades (presentes no relatório coletivo anual), reflexões presentes em textos acadêmicos (apresentados em eventos científicos) e questionário estruturado (respondido pelos bolsistas após um ano e meio do encerramento das atividades). Foram elaboradas 15 atividades, sendo a maioria de demonstração e verificação. Concluiu-se que elas, apesar de não terem contemplado ações investigativas, foram essenciais para a reflexão sobre o papel da experimentação no ensino de Ciências e na formação inicial dos futuros professores de Ciências e Biologia.

Scientific Communication Skills Profile of Prospective Science Teachers Based on Sociocultural Aspects

One of the essential skills for future science teacher candidates is scientific communication, while the background of sociocultural aspects influences communication which must have a scientific basis. This research aims to analyse the scientific communication skills of prospective science teacher based on sociocultural aspects. Quantitative survey research methods applied in this research, using a questionnaire as a data collection tool. The population in this research were students of natural science education programs at one of the state universities in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, while the samples are 87 students. The results of this study indicate that the sociocultural aspects of students vary with the characteristics of the area of origin, regional languages, different languages, regional cultures, and different social attitudes. The sociocultural aspects are specified in two levels, which are Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and More Knowledgeable Other (MKO). At the ZPD level, 67% of the students are in the intermediate criteria and 33% in the advanced criteria. While at the MKO level, the criteria are intermediate and advanced, with percentages almost equal to 49% and 51%, respectively. It was concluded that the profile of scientific communication skills of prospective science teacher based on sociocultural aspects was in the intermediate and advanced criteria. Students are indicated to experience “vernacular misconceptions” related to the sociocultural aspects of the use of various languages used in daily communication and writing. The frequency is dominated by the use of regional languages that are not relevant to scientific languages. Further research needs to be carried out on the identification of scientific misconceptions related to sociocultural aspects.

Science for all: The struggle to establish school science in EnglandE.Jenkins, 2019London, UCL Institute of Education Press £24.99 (paperback), 207 pp ISBN 978-1-78277-264-4

Science for all: The struggle to establish school science in EnglandE.Jenkins, 2019London, UCL Institute of Education Press £24.99 (paperback), 207 pp ISBN 978-1-78277-264-4

Methodology of teaching cloud technologies to future computer science teachers

The article deals with the problem of training future computer science teachers for the use of cloud technologies. The authors analyzed courses from leading universities to study cloud technologies. On this basis the model of application and studying of cloud technologies in the process of training of future teachers of informatics was developed. The basic principles of this model are proposed: systematic, gradual, continuous. It contains target, content, operating and effective component. Therefore, the stages of using cloud computing technology were proposed: as a means of organizing learning activities, as an object of study, as a means of development. The article summarizes the experience of designing a cloud-based learning environment (CBLE). The model is based on such philosophical and pedagogical approaches as systemic, competent, activity, personality-oriented, synergistic. Hybrid cloud is the most appropriate model for this environment. It combines public and private cloud platforms. CBLE also requires the integration of cloud and traditional learning tools. The authors described the most appropriate teaching methods for cloud technologies such as classroom learning, interactive and e-learning, practical methods. The article contains many examples of how to apply the proposed methodology in a real learning process.

Developing Environmental Culture in Future Teachers during Professional Training

The paper focuses on the issue of developing an environmental culture in future teachers in higher education institutions. The analysis of relevant findings shows that the issue of developing an environmental culture in future science teachers during professional training is an insufficiently examined segment of pedagogy. This research has attempted to specify and clarify such fundamental concepts as environmental education, environmental culture and development of environmental culture in the context of professional training of future science teachers. The environmental culture of future teachers is seen as an integral personal quality developed during professional training in higher education institutions and based on environmental knowledge and skills, environmental awareness, thinking and behavior which are projected into their professional activities. The process of developing an environmental culture in future science teachers is interpreted as a purposeful educational process, built with regard to general pedagogical patterns and didactic principles, substantiated pedagogical actions and measures (conditions), whose effective implementation leads to qualitative changes in the components of an environmental culture of future science teachers which they need to achieve environmental educational productivity in professional activities. The paper defines the components, criteria, indicators and levels of an environmental culture in future science teachers during professional training. Due to the analysis of scientific literature and practical experience, the paper defines and justifies pedagogical conditions which may contribute to developing an environmental culture in future science teachers. Besides, it presents the author‟s model for developing an environmental culture in future science teachers during professional training. This model consists of four interrelated blocks: the target block, the theory and methodology block, the pedagogical organization and the results block. Also, the paper reveals the organization and the course of experimental work. Finally, it concludes about the effectiveness of the proposed pedagogical conditions for developing an environmental culture in future science teachers and shows the levels of its development.

ВИСВІТЛЕННЯ СУТНОСТІ БАЗИ ДАНИХ ЯК ОСНОВНОЇ СКЛАДОВОЇ WEB-ОРІЄНТОВАНОЇ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНОЇ СИСТЕМИ

Актуальним є поєднання змісту навчання Баз даних з опануванням принципів побудови інформаційних систем в Інтернеті. Таке поєднання важливе для визначення місця реляційної бази даних у загальному баченні зв’язків різних розділів предмету Інформатика. Метою написання статті є розкриття напрямків застосування Web-програмування для висвітлення сутності бази даних як основної складової Web-орієнтованої інформаційної системи в курсі “Бази даних” для майбутніх вчителів-інформатиків. Для досягнення мети поставлено такі завдання:
 
 розкрити особливості програмних засобів навчання майбутніх учителів інформатики курсу “Бази даних”;
 продемонструвати особливості змісту і методів навчання майбутніх учителів інформатики курсу “Бази даних” з використанням технологій Web-програмування;
 провести аналіз результатів педагогічного експерименту, щодо впровадження нової методики навчання.
 
 Особливості методичної системи навчання Баз даних і побудови Web-орієнтованої інформаційної системи подано в статті. Рекомендується використовувати СУБД MySQL в поєднанні з хостингом мережі Інтернет. Для побудови інформаційної системи рекомендується стартове програмне забезпечення, в основу якого покладено модель розмежування частини дизайну, баз даних і програмної частини, MVC архітектура. Зміст навчання охоплює питання формування сторінок частини клієнта та частини адміністратора. Акцент зроблено на вивчення залежності результатів функціонування Web-орієнтованої інформаційної системи від результатів SQL запитів і структури реляційної бази даних. Аналіз результатів педагогічного експеримента довів значущість впровадження нової методики навчання для формування системного бачення взаємозв’язків розділів предмету Інформатика і місця реляційних баз даних у цій системі. Перспективним бачиться розвиток методики навчання Web-програмування у загальноосвітній школі.