Learning Of Scientific Concepts Research Articles

Investigating the impact of three levels of representation-based visual media on students’ mental models

Abstract This study examines the effect of visual media on students’ mental models regarding battery functions and electrical resistance concepts. The study presents a novel visual media approach consisting of phenomena videos, dynamic analogies, and microscopic models. The development of the visual media followed the ADDIE model. The research subjects were 25 12th-grade students from a private senior high school in Bandung, West Java. Students’ mental models were assessed using open-ended test that examined four concepts: (1) electromotive force (EMF) in batteries; (2) electrical resistance; (3) resistors in series; and (4) resistors in parallel. The test were administered as both pre-tests and post-tests.The pre-test results revealed that the majority of students had initial mental models regarding battery functions and electrical resistance concepts. By the end of the study, most students had developed synthetic mental models. However, the majority successfully achieved scientific mental models concerning electrical resistance concepts. In other concepts, only a few students achieved scientific mental models. Overall, the visual media had a significant positive effect on students’ mental models, with corrections observed in 92% of students for EMF in batteries, 96% for electrical resistance, 80% for resistors in series, and 84% for resistors in parallel.These findings encourage physics teachers and researchers to develop innovative visual media focused on correcting students’ mental models in scientific concept learning.

Ai] Explore!: An Educational Game for Developing Programming Skills and Algorithmic Thinking

The game [ai] explore! was developed to introduce the algorithm behind the popular science exhibition. The idea behind the [ai] explore! exhibition was to show the application of mathematics and computer science in solving real engineering problems by creating the exhibit using the mathematical algorithm Heat Equation Driven Area Coverage (HEDAC). The algorithm is based on scientific research and has many applications: exploration and search in unknown space, painting, planning agricultural spraying, scanning 3D objects, etc. The exhibits show the process by which the algorithm paints objects with a virtual brush and explores their shape. By surveying the high school students, it was shown that new mathematical and engineering results can be explained and turned into a playable game. After playing the game, students respond positively to the game presented and state that they have a good understanding of the HEDAC algorithm presented and how it works. This motivated us to investigate [ai] explore! as an educational game for teaching mathematics and computer science. The aim of the research described in this paper is to investigate the potential of the developed game as an educational game. The game-based learning (GBL) approach is increasingly used to increase student motivation and engagement in STEM lessons. The main research question is: How do primary school teachers and students perceive the usefulness of the game [ai] explore! in supporting teaching and learning of computer science concepts? We have developed and implemented teaching scenarios on how the game [ai] explore! can be used as an educational game in computer science lessons. We show that the game has great potential to teach primary school students programming. In addition, the game promotes algorithmic thinking and computational thinking skills in general, which are valuable not only in computer science but also in other fields such as mathematics, where a systematic and analytical approach to problem-solving is required.

INTEGRATING THE NATURE OF SCIENCE IN TEACHING SCIENTIFIC THEORY IN HIGH SCHOOLS IN CAMEROON: CASE STUDY OF THE ATOMIC THEORY

Questions about the Nature of Science (NOS) have long preoccupied scientists, but recently, researchers in didactics, curriculum designers and science teachers have been concerned about how NOS can improve the teaching and learning of scientific concepts and theories. While some authors have argued that science students be taught about the Nature of Science explicitly, others suggest it should be taught implicitly when teaching scientific concepts. However, not much research has been done on how to implicitly integrate NOS principles in teaching scientific concepts in a competencies-based approach context. We believe that for learners to significantly improve their learning of scientific concepts, they need to understand the Nature of Science. Thus, we propose the tenets of NOS be taken into account in the design of teaching and learning activities in the experimental sciences. This reflective article proposes a didactic strategy to implicitly teach NOS when teaching scientific theories like the atomic theory using problem situations in the context of the competencies–based approach prescribed in Cameroon.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0720/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

On a New Taxonomy of Concepts and Conceptual Change: In Search of the Brain’s Probabilistic Language of Learning Scientific Concepts

On a New Taxonomy of Concepts and Conceptual Change: In Search of the Brain’s Probabilistic Language of Learning Scientific Concepts

The role of achievement goals in productive collaborative argumentation

AbstractCollaborative argumentation has been recognized as a powerful means to facilitate conceptual change of scientific concepts for which students have robust misconceptions. However, eliciting and maintaining collaborative argumentation that yields such productive outcomes is known to be difficult. Specifically, social‐motivational antecedents have not yet been explored. Over 13 weeks, we conducted a controlled experiment to examine the role of achievement goals in productive collaborative argumentation in the context of scientific concept learning while fully considering the effects on conceptual change, argumentative discourse, and perceptions of conflicts. Three types of achievement goals were identified among 94 undergraduates: mastery goal‐dominant (a focus on developing competence and task mastery), two goals‐balanced (pursuing mastery and performance goals simultaneously) and performance goal‐dominant (a focus on demonstrating competence relative to others). Eighteen homogeneous groups participated in four collaborative argumentation activities concerning four scientific topics of varying controversy levels. The results showed that for highly controversial topics, mastery goal‐dominant students and two goals‐balanced students exhibited greater conceptual change than performance goal‐dominant students over a longer period. Dialogue protocol analysis further revealed a combined pattern of argumentative discourse (i.e., both deliberative argumentation and co‐consensual construction frequently occurred, while disputative argumentation rarely occurred) among mastery goal‐dominant students and two goals‐balanced students concerning highly controversial topics. Responses to stimulated recall interviews also indicated that perceptions of conflicts among the three types of students differed in terms of five aspects: their first impression of disagreements, their feelings in response to peer disagreement, their reasons for changing or maintaining to their original ideas, the meaning of group consensus, and the degrees to which they accepted group consensus. This study sheds light on the role of social‐motivational antecedents, deepening our understanding of whether different achievement goals might orient students to different perceptions of conflicts, triggering different argumentative discourse, producing different conceptual change.

Design and Build a KIT Humoris (Ohm's Law for Dynamic Electricity) for Science Learning in Junior High School

The role of tools as educational media is crucial in facilitating the learning of scientific concepts, allowing students to master science materials and develop their skills effectively. This research aims to develop a KIT as an experimental approach to learning focused on investigating the relationships among voltage, current, resistance, and power. This study employs a research and development (R&D) approach to design and implement an impactful science learning tool for science experiments. The envisioned impact of this learning tool is to captivate students' interest and concept understanding in science education, especially in Ohm's law for the dynamic electricity topic. The design of the KIT Humoris is specifically structured to establish and illustrate the relationships between voltage, current, and resistance, as well as to calculate power based on voltage and current values. The user-friendly design and visually appealing features of the KIT Humoris make it a practical tool that enhances the tangible understanding of science concepts. Integrating this tool with the Merdeka Curriculum allows teachers to customize lessons according to the unique needs of their students. The design process involves meticulous planning, prototype development, and continuous evaluation to ensure the tool's effectiveness. Results from the trial phase indicate heightened student engagement, improved conceptual understanding, and a profound practical learning experience. KIT Humoris is a valuable science learning tool, providing an engaging and practical approach aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum. Its successful implementation increases student enthusiasm and a deeper comprehension of scientific principles. The implications are contributing to the innovation of teaching methods, especially in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum. From a practical standpoint, the tool has a positive impact on students and their understanding of science concepts.

What factors influence scientific concept learning? A study based on the fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis

AbstractThis research employs the fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to investigate the configurations of multiple factors influencing scientific concept learning, including augmented reality (AR) technology, the concept map (CM) strategy and individual differences (eg, prior knowledge, experience and attitudes). A quasi‐experiment was conducted with 194 seventh‐grade students divided into four groups: AR and CM (N = 52), AR and non‐CM (N = 51), non‐AR and CM (N = 40), non‐AR and non‐CM (N = 51). These students participated in a science lesson on ‘The structure of peach blossom’. This study represents students' science learning outcomes by measuring their academic performance and cognitive load. The fsQCA results reveal that: (1) factors influencing students' academic performance and cognitive load are interdependent, and a single factor cannot constitute a necessary condition for learning outcomes; (2) multiple pathways can lead to the same learning outcome, challenging the notion of a singular best path derived from traditional analysis methods; (3) the configurations of good and poor learning outcomes exhibit asymmetry. For example, high prior knowledge exists in both configurations leading to good and poor learning outcomes, depending on how other conditions are combined. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Augmented reality proves to be a useful technological tool for improving science learning. The concept map can guide students to describe the relationships between concepts and make a connection between new knowledge and existing knowledge structures. Individual differences have been emphasized as essential external factors in controlling the effectiveness of learning. What this paper adds This study innovatively employed the fsQCA analysis method to reveal the complex phenomenon of the scientific concept learning process at a fine‐grained level. This study discussed how individual differences interact with AR and concept map strategy to influence scientific concept learning. Implications for practice and/or policy No single factor present or absent is necessary for learning outcomes, but the combinations of AR and concept map strategy always obtain satisfactory learning outcomes. There are multiple pathways to achieving good learning outcomes rather than a single optimal solution. The implementation of educational interventions should fully consider students' individual differences, such as prior knowledge, experience and attitudes.

Evaluating Augmented Reality to Teach Science for Secondary Students With Intellectual Disability

Augmented reality (AR) provides students with visual, auditory, and concrete learning understandings that facilitate their understanding of abstract concepts, leading to positive experiences in the learning process. Positive experiences increase students’ motivation and interest in learning. This study examined the effects of using AR technology to teach science concepts. Three students with intellectual disabilities, aged between 12 and 13 years, who were attending inclusive education, participated in the study. A multiple probe design across behaviors replicated across participants was used. The results indicated that all students acquired the science concepts, maintained the concepts 5 weeks later, and generalized the concept with classroom materials (science course textbook). Social validity results also showed that students found the AR intervention acceptable, making their learning experience more enjoyable. Conclusions are discussed in the context of applying universal design principles with AR technologies to create unique opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to learn science concepts.

An effect of technology-infused active inquiry learning in primary school science on students’ conceptions of learning science

An effect of technology-infused active inquiry learning in primary school science on students’ conceptions of learning science

Contradictions and roadblocks: a cultural-historical study of educators’ beliefs and practices in the teaching of science concepts to infants and toddlers

ABSTRACT Whilst there is a body of emerging literature related to science education for children aged 3 years and above, less is known about educators’ beliefs when planning for the teaching of science concepts to infants and toddlers in group settings. This paper discusses how educators working with children under 18 months of age talk about and plan for the teaching of science concepts. We undertook an educational experiment with 6 educators and 11 infants aged 1.1–2.0 years (mean 1.6 years). An analysis of the digital data of 18.1 h (5.2 h of adult-researcher data; 12.9 h of observations) revealed both roadblocks and contradictions in educators’ beliefs and practices when planning for infant and toddler learning of science concepts. Initial contradictions for educators include focusing on activities not concepts, following interests and not introducing science content, and a belief associated with developmental restrictions regarding if science concepts and science resources are relevant/safe for this developmental period. These were genuine blocks in shifting educators’ beliefs towards planning for the learning of science concepts. We found under the conditions of an intervention, these roadblocks were resolved, giving more opportunities for infant-toddler engagement in science learning.

Telling stories as preparation for learning: A Bayesian analysis of transfer performance and investigation of learning mechanisms

BackgroundTextbooks are essential for natural science university education. However, recent evidence indicates that their design may not be ideal for learning, whereas narratives might overcome the associated limitations. AimThis study compares transfer performance and involved learning mechanisms upon learning scientific concepts either provided in an expository text alone, embedded in a historical narrative, or as expository text prefaced with the historical background. SampleParticipants were 163 undergraduate natural science students. MethodsWe randomly assigned students to one of the three conditions and used a Bayesian modeling approach to compare the prior knowledge-dependent transfer performance upon instruction. Additionally, we investigated the impact of the different conditions on affective and cognitive mechanisms. ResultsResults indicate that students with lower prior knowledge benefit most from narrative-embedded content. Students with higher prior knowledge profited if narratives were used as preparation for follow-up expository instruction. Self-efficacy and cognitive load measures were positively related to the narrative conditions and partly mediated learning from narrative instruction. ConclusionThe study conceptualized and offers support for using narratives as preparation for future learning for enhancing transfer performance in university natural science education, additionally highlighting when and why narratives might support learning.

The combined effects of physical and virtual models in learning cellular biology

Physical models have long been used in science education for visualization of complex cellular structure and dynamics during face-to-face lecture (F2F). Recent advancement of technology has enabled us to create virtual models and to share knowledge remotely. This study aims to find out whether physical and virtual models work synergistically to enhance student engagement in learning an undergraduate Life Sciences module. Three independent experiments were conducted to assess learning effectiveness on three biology concepts through four learning approaches: video with virtual model only, video with integration of virtual and physical model demonstration, F2F lecture using virtual model only, F2F lecture using virtual and physical models. Participants were randomly assigned to different groups each with one learning approach. Data collected through pre- and post-tests revealed that significant improvement in learning scientific concepts occurred in one of three controlled experiments when the video contains both virtual and physical models, while no obvious difference found in the other two experiments. This data suggests that well-prepared digital media alone may convey scientific information well and additional physical models do not aid in information acquisition. However, feedback survey on student learning experience showed that all participants preferred to learn from physical models. In all three experiments, students consistently voted that the physical models attracted their attention and enhanced their interests. They made better mind maps and raised more questions. These hint that a combination of digital media with physical models might improve engagement and promote higher order thinking.

The Effect of Virtual Reality Technology in Teaching Mathematics on Students’ Ability to Process Data and Graphic Representation

The study focused on the impact of using augmented reality (AR) in teaching mathematics to tenth-grade students in the 2022–2023 academic year. The sample consisted of 70 students from schools in the city of Amman, who were divided into 35 students in the experimental group and 35 students in the control group. The researcher utilized the quasi-experimental method and collected data through questionnaires and testing tools. Data were statistically analyzed using the MANOVA test, outcome analysis techniques, and GLM test. The results indicate the quality of virtual reality (VR). Students’ ability to process data improved by 94% in the experimental group and 88% in the control group. The experimental group demonstrated an effective contribution of 97% in improving graphic representation ability, while the control group showed a contribution of 92%. The study relied on the descriptive-analytical method. The study concluded that AR technology and its usage have become largely dependent on preparing technical and material requirements. It also highlighted that this technology aids students in learning scientific facts, concepts, and instructions in an easy and effective manner. The results indicate the necessity of expanding scientific research and studies on the advantages and disadvantages of AR technology and its optimal utilization.

Eureka Role Playing Game: An Instructional Tool In Improving The Proficiency Level In Chemistry 7

The Eureka Role Playing Game is a game-based instructional tool for learning science concepts. The study aimed to improve proficiency level of the learners in Science 7 particularly in Chemistry subject. This study utilized a Quantitative Method to measure the gathered data and test the hypothesis. Quasi-experimental pretest-posttest research design was also used with a validated questionnaire and Eureka Role-Playing Game (RPG) as the primary data gathering instrument to evaluate students’ proficiency level improvement as the intervention was administered to experimental group and traditional teaching method for controlled group. Results showed that in the controlled group, the mean post-test result was higher than the mean pre-test result, but still at the beginning level of proficiency. Meanwhile, the mean post-test result of the experimental group is higher compared to the mean pre-test result. Therefore, the level of proficiency of the experimental group has improved from a beginning level to a developing level after the intervention. A significant difference in the pre-test and post-test between the experimental group and the control group is in favor of the experimental group. Therefore, the alternative hypotheses of this study are accepted. Evaluated by the Science experts, the instructional tool passed the curricular validity criteria. The researchers recommend the use of Eureka Role Playing Game since it significantly increased the proficiency level of the students from beginning to developing level based on the findings.

Difficulties in studying the scientific concepts from the view point of 10th grade students at Irbid governorate

This study sought to identify the difficulties of studying the scientific concepts among the tenth-grade students in Irbid governorate. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire was used to measure the students’ view point about difficulties they faced in learning scientific concepts. The questionnaire contained three areas: content, teachers and students. The sampling method involved selecting tenth-grade students from the first Irbid Directorate of Education at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year. A total of 415 students were included in the study; the gender distribution was nearly equal, and they were grouped according to their GPA. The results of the study showed that these three domains were a source of determining the difficulty levels. The students’ domain came first, followed by teachers, and content ranked last. The results also showed that there were statistically significant differences in the sources of difficulty due to gender differences in males, and due to the average difference in the benefit of students whose grades were less than 84%. In light of the results, the study framed a set of recommendations, including the need to emphasize the activation of technology in teaching, and holding lectures showing the importance of science and scientists.

The importance of experimentation in physics teaching in the education of young people and adults

The use of experimentation in the classroom provides a practical approach to learning scientific concepts, allowing students to establish a direct relationship between theory and practice. Critical thinking is stimulated and promotes exploration and discovery, making it an interesting methodology for youth and adult education (EJA). In this context, this research project aims to investigate the importance of using experiments in teaching physics at EJA. The study seeks to analyze how the incorporation of experiments can facilitate the understanding of physical phenomena and promote meaningful learning for these individuals. The main difficulties encountered by EJA students in learning physics will be presented and the way in which experiments can collaborate to overcome these challenges will be evaluated. Through this research, it is expected to obtain results that contribute to the implementation of effective physics teaching strategies in EJA, valuing experimentation as a pedagogical tool capable of promoting more relevant learning for these students.

"Now I Get It!": Eureka Experiences During the Acquisition of Mathematical Concepts.

Many famous scientists have reported anecdotes where a new understanding occurred to them suddenly, in an unexpected flash. Do people generally experience such "Eureka" moments when learning science concepts? And if so, do these episodes truly vehicle sudden insights, or is this impression illusory? To address these questions, we developed a paradigm where participants were taught the mathematical concept of geodesic, which generalizes the common notion of straight line to straight trajectories drawn on curved surfaces. After studying lessons introducing this concept on the sphere, participants (N = 56) were tested on their understanding of geodesics on the sphere and on other surfaces. Our findings indicate that Eureka experiences are common when learning mathematics, with reports by 34 (61%) participants. Moreover, Eureka experiences proved an accurate description of participants' learning, in two respects. First, Eureka experiences were associated with learning and generalization: the participants who reported experiencing Eurekas performed better at identifying counterintuitive geodesics on new surfaces. Second, and in line with the firstperson experience of a sudden insight, our findings suggest that the learning mechanisms responsible for Eureka experiences are inaccessible to reflective introspection. Specifically, reports of Eureka experiences and of participants' confidence in their own understanding were associated with different profiles of performance, indicating that the mechanisms bringing about Eureka experiences and those informing reflective confidence were at least partially dissociated. Learning mathematical concepts thus appears to involve mechanisms that operate unconsciously, except when a key computational step is reached and a sudden insight breaks into consciousness.

Exploring the Transformative Integration of Immersive Makerspace for Teaching Abstract Science Concepts

This study outlines the design and implementation of an Immersive Makerspace (IM) using the Mozilla Hubs, an online Virtual Reality (VR) platform accessible across geographical boundaries through mobile devices, personal computers (PCs), and web-enabled VR headsets. This Design-Based Research (DBR) study explores the effectiveness and challenges of “making” in an IM. Learning from the challenges through different iterations, this study aims to platform to foster elementary students' learning of abstract science concepts.

The use of mobile technology in abductive inquiry-based teaching and learning of chemical bonding

Continuous enhancement of mobile devices such as smartphones offers new opportunities for using these technologies in inquiry-based learning environments. Inquiry-based learning has followed deductive and inductive forms of inquiry, while the abductive form of inquiry that targets the development of higher-order thinking skills such as critical thinking is less prevalent. This study investigated the use of mobile technology in abductive-inquiry based teaching and learning of chemical bonding for grade 11 physical sciences learners in two South African schools. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design that entailed first collecting quantitative data and then qualitative data to help explain or elaborate on the quantitative results. Two grade 11 physical sciences classes were randomly designated as the experimental and control groups in each of the two different schools. The experimental group in each school experienced activities in a laboratory using mobile technology-enhanced abductive scientific inquiry through the ‘Molecular Workbench’ web-based simulation using a mobile device, while the control group in each school experienced activities in abductive scientific inquiry in a science laboratory without using mobile learning technology. The principal findings indicated that learners within the control group displayed a significant increase in their performance to create a scientifically accurate hypothesis that is the essence of abductive inquiry, whereas for the experimental group there was no significant improvement in their hypothesis generation capacity. However, participants within the experimental group felt that their use of mobile devices created a sense of learner agency amongst themselves, developed their communication skills, made them feel responsible for their own learning, and also made learning scientific concepts more fun as opposed to what they are normally exposed to.

Profile of Basic and Integrated Science Process Skills in Science Learning at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri

Science process skills underlie every student's activity in learning science at school and its application in technology and problem-solving. However, these skills are not trained enough in the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri (MIN). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the profile of basic and integrated science process skills in MIN students. This research is a quantitative and qualitative descriptive study, where 79 students from 4 MINs in Hulu Sungai Utara were involved in working on a science process skills test instrument adapted from Suja (2010). The results showed the achievement of students' basic science process skills including measuring, questioning, communication, predicting, classifying, inferring, and observation; as well as the achievement of integrated science process skills including formulating hypotheses, planning experiments, interpreting data, and applying concepts with the lowest being 5.3% (hypothesizing) and the highest being 51.8% (measuring). Therefore; The profile of students' basic and integrated science process skills is still not good. Considering scientific process skills as the basic foundation in learning science, educators need to cultivate these skills in learning scientific concepts and their application in solving real life problems.