Scientific Competence Research Articles

Is It Possible to Apply Inquiry in the First Level of Primary School without Hindering the Acquisition of Scientific Competencies? Perspectives of Pupils and Their Pre-Service Teacher

The aim of this study is to assess the application of inquiry as a teaching strategy during the practicum of a pre-service teacher and to verify the acquisition of scientific skills by her students. The importance of this study is the application of inquiry as a teaching strategy at lower levels of basic education to contribute to scientific skills and scientific literacy. The sample consisted of 27 pupils in the first level of primary education and one pre-service teacher in a Spanish school. The methodology used was a case study with a participatory experimental design, incorporating guided discovery and teacher questioning focused on plant growth. The results indicate that the pupils improved their understanding and assimilation of content related to plant functions, scientific procedures, and critical thinking. The pre-service teacher demonstrated mastery of the inquiry-based methodology, confirming an adequate level of both pedagogical and scientific competence. Some suggestions are provided to enhance her training. The study concludes by demonstrating that it is possible to implement inquiry at any educational level, despite the potential limitations of the students. It is recommended that pre-service teachers receive comprehensive training to enable them to facilitate the acquisition of scientific competence among their students.

XÂY DỰNG CÔNG CỤ ĐÁNH GIÁ NĂNG LỰC KHOA HỌC CỦA HỌC SINH TRONG DẠY HỌC CHỦ ĐỀ “TRÁI ĐẤT VÀ BẦU TRỜI” MÔN TỰ NHIÊN VÀ XÃ HỘI LỚP 3

The article is based on assessment theory, mainly the theory of Robert Glaser, proposing the process of capacity assessment, designing a scientific competency framework in teaching Nature and Society subjects in primary school, which includes 10 criteria, and each criterion consists of 3 levels. From analyzing the requirements of the topic “Earth and Sky” in the subject of Nature and Society, the research has proposed 6 principles, thereby building a 5-step process to design a set of assessment tools. The assessment, based on student achievement requirements, includes 30 questions and exercises, 10 checklists, 2 rating scales, 3 evaluation sheets according to criteria, and learning record samples. The toolkit, after testing on 34 primary school teachers, has been standardized and developed guidelines for use in assessing students in primary schools.

Towards a more individualised support of science competition participants – identification and examination of participant profiles based on cognitive and affective characteristics

ABSTRACT Science competitions target students interested in science with the aim to support them in developing science competence and career aspirations. Contrary to the common belief that science competition participants are exceptionally competent and strongly motivated to pursue a science career, there is growing evidence that the entirety of participants is rather heterogeneous in terms of their cognitive and affective characteristics. For science competitions to better support all participants in developing competence and career aspirations, a better understanding of the cognitive and affective characteristics of the entirety of participants is required. This study examined the Physics Olympiad as a specific type of science competitions, leading to a nuanced characterisation of N = 155 Physics Olympiad participants. Latent profile analyses revealed four participant profiles distinguished by specific patterns in cognitive abilities, physics interest, and physics self-efficacy. Profiles differed in their performance in the competition and their physics career aspiration. Grade level, gender, previous participation in the competition, and teacher support explained differences in profile membership. Our findings emphasise that Physics Olympiad participants are a heterogeneous group with varying needs and offer implications for more individualised support activities to better support the entirety of participants in developing science competence and career aspirations.

Identifying the Competency Model Dimensions of Faculty Members (Case Study: Farhangian Universities in Tehran)

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify and delineate the competency model dimensions essential for faculty members at Farhangian Universities in Tehran. This research aimed to explore the specific competencies necessary to enhance the effectiveness and professional development of faculty in an educational setting. Methodology: This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews to gather data from 29 faculty members across various departments at Farhangian Universities in Tehran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of experiences and perspectives. Theoretical saturation was achieved to ensure the comprehensiveness of the data collected. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts and identify key themes and categories representing faculty competencies. Findings: Five main themes representing essential faculty competencies were identified: ethical competencies, scientific competencies, research competencies, communication competencies, and information technology competencies. Each theme comprised several categories detailing specific competencies, such as individual integrity, pedagogical expertise, research skills, interpersonal communication, and technological proficiency. Conclusion: The study highlighted a comprehensive set of competencies required by faculty members at Farhangian Universities in Tehran to effectively fulfill their educational roles. These competencies span across ethical considerations, scientific knowledge, research capabilities, communication skills, and technological adeptness. Addressing these competencies through targeted development programs could significantly enhance faculty performance and, consequently, student learning outcomes. Keywords: Faculty Competencies, Farhangian, Qualitative Research, Higher Education, Faculty Development, Educational Technology, Ethical Competencies, Scientific Competencies

Diagnostic Study of the Natural Science Competencies of Students in Chemistry Education in Grade 7th

The article presents the results of an assessment of students’ science competencies in chemistry education in 7. grade in the school year 2022/2023. Didactic tests "Alkaline group" and "Halogen group" have been created to measure the students’ achievements. The tests are aligned with the State Educational Content Requirements and the 7th Grade Curriculum in Chemistry and Environmental Protection. The quality of the tests is evaluated by expert chemistry teachers. The expert evaluation results show that the test items have good statistical properties. The data from the testing are compared with the curriculum for 7th grade expected results. On this basis, relevant conclusions are formulated – students cope with tasks that are at the level of knowledge (reproduction) according to B. Bloom’s taxonomy; students have difficulty with comprehension and application level tasks involving the application of knowledge to new, unfamiliar cognitive situations. It is possible that the claim made is within the boundaries of the particular study and the particular sample of students.

О некоторых механизмах импортозамещения во второй сфере АПК России

In this work, an analysis of a possible option for introducing the “sandbox mechanism” into agriculture of the Russian Federation was carried out; the authors investigated the possible economic consequences of this implementation. The emphasis is placed on the fact that this step will allow our country to enter a completely new innovative path of agricultural development. The following research results were obtained: failures in imports and exports due to large-scale disruptions in food supply chains are the results of Western sanctions pressure on the Russian food market. Russia is still dependent on imports, so the main thesis is that exports and import substitution are complementary strategies. In order to level out the problem of import substitution, the authors propose the use of a “sandbox mechanism”; it is quite obvious that, through a certain methodology, we will reduce the time and costs of entering export-oriented products into the national market, and then world markets and, subsequently, expanding production capabilities for domestic manufacturers. The key directions of state policy in the field of import substitution have been identified - ensuring technological sovereignty in the country through the production of import-substituting and export-oriented products. The main threats to food security for 2024-2025 are formulated: the further use of parallel imports will only worsen the already difficult relations with the West, and new risks will also appear - an uncontrolled rise in food prices and, as a result, a loss of confidence of the domestic consumer. Specific models of import substitution are proposed with an emphasis on domestic high-tech developments and scientific competencies in the food market.

"I WANT TO MAKE AN IMPACT": THE SCIENCE IDENTITY AND CAREER GOALS OF BLACK AND LATINX SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLARS

This instrumental case study examines the science identity and career goals of 16 Black and Latinx science and engineering postdoctoral scholars. Interviews were conducted and grounded by the model of science identity to understand the ways in which science identity develops over time and the influence of race/ethnicity and gender on career goals. Through deductive data analysis techniques, four themes emerged: (1) science competency is built at an early age and solidified in high school; (2) science performance is actualized but questioned in college; (3) science recognition is fostered through professional development and success; and (4) racism and sexism shape the desire to make an impact through a STEM career. Understanding how Black and Latinx postdoctoral scholars' science identity and STEM career goals are nurtured and thwarted within educational systems can be illuminating to those training the next generation of advanced STEM professionals. If the individuals next in line to enter the professoriate are deterred, greater consideration must be given to their experiences.

КРАУДСОРСИНГ КАК ПРЕДИКТОР УНИВЕРСАЛЬНЫХ КОМПЕТЕНЦИЙ У БУДУЩИХ СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ ЕСТЕСТВЕННО-МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКОГО ЦИКЛА ОБУЧЕНИЯ В СИСТЕМЕ ВЫСШЕГО ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ

This article explores the results of using crowdsourcing as a predictor of universal competencies among future specialists in the natural and mathematical fields of education. The authors have explored the potential of crowdsourcing technology across various professional fields and its effectiveness. Through an analysis of relevant scientific literature, they concluded that there was a lack of empirical research and theoretical knowledge on the use of crowdsourcing's predictive capabilities in the educational sector. In this context, the research purpose was to use crowdsourcing technology to predict the development profile of universal competencies in future specialists studying in the natural sciences and mathematics fields. This approach aims to identify competencies that will be in high demand in the future and to guide the development of corresponding skills in students. Based on the data obtained, the study advocates for adapting current educational programs to prioritize the formation of these essential competencies. Such adjustments are crucial for preparing specialists who can meet the evolving demands of the modern labor market and effectively navigate changing professional landscapes. This strategic alignment also promises to broaden the scope of future career opportunities for university graduates and enhance their competitiveness in the job market. The research employs quantitative-qualitative analysis, structural analysis, and Student's t-test to evaluate the outcomes of crowdsourcing predictions. A significant novelty of this study lies in pioneering crowdsourcing as a predictive tool in higher professional education. It establishes a framework for determining foundational competencies in natural sciences and mathematical education, serving as a valuable reference for curriculum developers. Furthermore, the design and methodology developed for using crowdsourcing as a predictor holds potential for predicting universal competencies across various other professional training domains. This approach will help to develop in-demand competencies and contribute to creating an adaptive educational environment, allowing for a rapid response to the challenges of the modern world.

Teaching Competence and Self-Regulated Learning Strategy in Science of Senior High School Students

Teaching Competence and Self-Regulated Learning Strategy in Science of Senior High School Students

Causal Modeling to Explore the Correlations among Teachers’ Competence, Teaching Strategies, and Student Learning Achievement in Science

The misalignment between the teaching process and expected outcomes of the K-12 curriculum guidelines, traditional teaching strategies, the unresolved problems in the science program and almost absence of teachers’ competence are among the challenges of the education system. Rooted in theory of cognitivism, this perspective underscores the importance of understanding the teachers role in the students learning achievement, which could cause the Philippines to lag behind other countries in international assessment. The study provides a concrete view of the relationship of teaching competence, teaching strategies and student learning achievement through Path analysis using SEM. The data were obtained through descriptive survey among 45 teachers and achievement test results of 450 students in Partido district. There were a total of five variations of methods used by the teachers to teach the science classes, and the dominance of traditional methods was observed. The occurrence of inadequately capacitated teachers in science, does not spell a bright prospect for science education in senior high school. These serious constraints deserve serious attention to pre-empt the situation from evolving into a critical educational concern. The study also found a strong correlation between innovative teaching strategies such as interactive and experiential learning to teachers’ competency. The path analysis through SEM avers that when teaching competence is combined with appropriate teaching strategies, it provides a mediation effect that enhance student learning achievement. This paper suggests that for teachers to uphold and promote innovative teaching strategies, their competitiveness needs to be enhanced and their self-efficacy needs to be strengthened initially.

Методика та результати діагностування стану сформованості науково-методичної компетентності вчителів початкової школи

Методика та результати діагностування стану сформованості науково-методичної компетентності вчителів початкової школи

The Relationship between Competency in Interpreting Data and Evidence Scientifically and The Academic Performance of Students in Biological and Physical Science Streams

Despite the fact that appropriate decision-making is an essential ability in dealing with almost every circumstance in life, most people lack the competency in interpreting data and evidence scientifically, which is an important step in decision-making, resulting in negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Even though this is one of PISA’s three scientific literacy competencies, it is unclear if advanced-level science streams’ students in Sri Lanka have an adequate level of this competency. Therefore, this research investigated the relationship between the competency in interpreting data and evidence scientifically and the academic performance of students in the biological and physical science streams. The study was based on three specific objectives: identifying the importance of the competency in interpreting data and evidence scientifically for students in GCE (A/L), measuring the competency in interpreting data and evidence scientifically of students in biological and physical sciences, and investigating the relationship between their academic achievement and the competency in interpreting data and evidence scientifically. A descriptive one-shot cross-sectional survey was conducted using a quantitative research approach on 121, 13th grade students pursuing biological and physical science streams in six schools in Kandy Zone in Sinhala-medium. The sample was selected by a non-randomized convenience sampling method, and data was collected using a self-constructed test of competency in interpreting data and evidence scientifically, with a reliability coefficient of 0.672. Students’ first and second term marks were used to assess their academic performance. Data was analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS software, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. Both students of biological sciences (r = 0.719, n = 62, p = 0.000) and physical sciences (r = 0.783, n = 59, p = 0.000) exhibited a positive correlation between the competency of interpreting data and evidence scientifically and academic performance. Furthermore, for every point improvement in the competency in interpreting data and evidence scientifically, the academic performance score of biological and physical science students increased by 0.567 and 0.6609, respectively. Since the competency of interpreting data and evidence scientifically is necessary for student achievement, A/L science section teachers should adopt student centered instructional strategies and encourage active student engagement to enhance the competency of interpreting data and evidence scientifically.

The impact of forensic accounting on combating the financial fraud an exploratory study of the opinions of a sample of accountants in commercial banks in Basra

This research aims to identify the impact of applying forensic accounting in commercial banks on combat financial fraud, by identifying the extent of the providing financial, and the enjoyment of the persons charged with a forensic accountant with the required scientific knowledge competence qualifications, and necessary skillfulness, and the availability of a legislative and regulatory community that stipulates it is governed by Iraqi law. The study sample consisted of (250) questionnaires that were distributed to accountants working in commercial banks in Basra, and the researchers relied on the descriptive and analytical approach in preparing the study, many statistical methods were used, such as descriptive statistics and regression analysis. This study found that the forensic accounting method leads to providing high confidence among all users of accounting data because it contributes to detecting cases of fraud and fraud that may appear in the activities of commercial banks and others. This study recommended the need to enhance awareness and education of the importance of forensic accounting and introduce the advantages of its use in various fields, the need to benefit from the experiences of some developed countries in the field of forensic accounting, and how to combat these crimes.

НАУЧНО-ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕННАЯ КООПЕРАЦИЯ КАК ФАКТОР ЭФФЕКТИВНОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ВЫСОКОТЕХНОЛОГИЧНОЙ КОРПОРАЦИИ

The article studies scientific and production cooperation (RPC) as a factor in the effective development of a high-tech corporation. The relevance of the research topic is due to the fact that RPC is a mechanism that allows us to combine scientific and technical knowledge and competencies, the owners of which are mainly scientific and educational organizations with the production resources of enterprises in order to create new products, improve existing technologies and optimize business processes. The importance of RPC increases specifically for a high-tech enterprise that produces innovative, technically complex products. The study of this topic allows us to identify key aspects of successful cooperation, as well as develop recommendations for streamlining this process. The object of study is a high-tech corporation (VPK NPO Mashinostroeniya). The subject of the study is economic, organizational, financial and production relations that arise in the process of scientific and production cooperation in a high-tech corporation. The purpose of the study is to study RPC as a factor in the effective development of a high-tech corporation. The article proposes methodological support for determining the economic efficiency of the strategic development of a high-tech corporation based on the use of factor, retrospective and regression analysis methods. During the study, it was highlighted that an increase in the ratio of research and development costs to revenue from sales of products negatively affects the profitability of goods, products, works, and services sold. This led to the development of tools that make it possible to predict the results of an enterprise’s activities for the long term, depending on the volume of RPC costs. This toolkit has its limitations, but in the current economic situation it can be used by both enterprises and government agencies to modernize production. The results of the study can serve as the basis for further research in the field of identifying internal reserves for the development of enterprises based on RPC.

Determination of the optimal interval of the average load of the scientific equipment of the center for collective use

Modern Centers for the collective use of scientific equipment represent the basis for the formation of unique scientific competencies and competitive advantages in the market of research services. As highly specialized tools of scientific and innovative infrastructure, whose activities are aimed at implementing priority areas of scientific and technological development of the country, Centers funded, including from the state budget, face the need for a reliable assessment of the effectiveness of public funds investments, which leads to the formation of an objective need to improve the organization of work in this direction. The state regulator legislatively establishes requirements for monitoring the effectiveness of the use of expensive scientific equipment and a unique instrument base, however, the regulatory approach does not take into account the specifics of the functioning of the CCP regarding specialization, diversity of the instrument base, etc. This article discusses the problems of applying a standardized approach to evaluating the effectiveness of the centers for the collective use of scientific equipment and unique scientific installations. The general nature of the indicators included in the requirements for centers for the collective use of scientific equipment and unique scientific installations that have been created and (or) the functioning of which is provided with the involvement of budgetary funds does not reflect the differences between centers for collective use in terms of functioning, equipment composition, types of research and other essential characteristics. Attention is focused on one of the leading indicators, namely, the degree of loading. The authors believe that the averaging of requirements can lead to data distortion and neutralize the results of state monitoring, and suggest approaches to developing criteria for evaluating the optimal interval of the average load of scientific equipment of the center for collective use and justification of the appropriate time of such, depending on the type and purpose of use. The study was conducted on the example of the Center for Collective Use of St. Petersburg State University — St. Petersburg State University Science Park.

Team science competencies for clinical research professionals: A multileveled Delphi approach

Abstract Background: The knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for clinical research professionals (CRPs) are described in the Joint Task Force (JTF) for Clinical Trial Competencies Framework as a basis for leveled educational programs, training curricula, and certification. There is a paucity of literature addressing team science competencies tailored to CRPs. Gaps in training, research, and education can restrict their capability to effectively contribute to team science. Materials/Methods: The CRP Team Science team consisted of 18 members from 7 clinical and translational science awarded institutions. We employed a multi-stage, modified Delphi approach to define “Smart Skills” and leveled team science skills examples using individual and team science competencies identified by Lotrecchiano et al. Results: Overall, 59 team science Smart Skills were identified resulting in 177 skills examples across three levels: fundamental, skilled, and advanced. Two examples of the leveled skillsets for individual and team competencies are illustrated. Two vignettes were created to illustrate application for training. Discussion: This work provides a first-ever application of team science for CRPs by defining specific individual and team science competencies for each level of the CRP career life course. This work will enhance the JTF Domains 7 (Leadership and Professionalism) and 8 (Communication and Teamwork) which are often lacking in CRP training programs. The supplement provides a full set of skills and examples from this work. Conclusion: Developing team science skills for CRPs may contribute to more effective collaborations across interdisciplinary clinical research teams. These skills may also improve research outcomes and stabilize the CRP workforce.

Оценивание компетентности обучающихся специализированных (музыкальных, спортивных, художественных) школ в рамках формирования естественно-научной грамотности

The change of scientific paradigms requires the participants of the scientific and pedagogical process to actively search for ways to solve important pedagogical tasks. The study presents an analysis of the situation of the development of functional literacy of students in chemistry lessons within the framework of a shortened training program. At the same time, in relation to the subject of chemistry, the problem of the development of natural science literacy is considered in detail. In the course of the study, the scientific works of foreign and Kazakhstani scientists on the designated problem were studied, on the basis of which conclusions were drawn about the need to use the potential of the activity methodology. This need is dictated by the observed transformation of the system of education and upbringing of the Republic of Kazakhstan. We are convinced that the development of this problem is relevant for solving the issue of scientific substantiation of the development of functional literacy of students, which is the key to the readiness of the individual to live in a changing reality. Functional literacy is stated as an important component of the basic competencies of the individual. Improving the level of functional literacy is one of the key tasks of the system of general secondary education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The analysis of the content of normative documents regulating the system of general secondary education in terms of ensuring the results of training for the development of functional literacy in terms of its component of natural science literacy in chemistry lessons within the framework of a shortened training program makes it possible to determine the main trends in the planning of the educational process in this direction. Along with this, the important methodological problem of finding ways and means of assessing the development of natural science competence of students in chemistry lessons is being solved.

I LOVE VIEW: A Strategic Intervention Material in Mastering Total Magnification of a Compound Microscope A Classroom-Based Action Research

The implementation of K–12 programs in the Philippine educational system is being done to address the widespread failure of science education, with the goal of giving each pupil the best possible instruction. Strategic Intervention Material (SIM) is used by DepEd to improve student performance and reduce the least-mastered science competency. This paper investigates the effectiveness of strategic Intervention Material (SIM) to help Grade 7 students struggling in the classroom. Classroom Action research method used to thirty Grade 7 students. The aim of this intervention material is to enhance the efficiency of the learning process by simplification and self-directed learning methodologies. The Activity Card, Evaluation Card, Enrichment Card, Reference Card, and Answer Key provide learners with competency-oriented tasks, assessments, enrichment exercises, reference cards, and answers. SIM helps students learn and perform better in class when used to assess least-taught competencies. SIM can be used to effectively teach the magnification of microscopes at F. Bustamante National High School, but it requires careful planning and an evaluation of students’ skill level to be successful.

LEVEL OF SCIENCTIFIC LITERACY ABILITY OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MEDAN BASED ON FRAMEWORK PISA 2018

Based on the PISA 2022 results, the scientific literacy abilities of Indonesian students are still below the international average. This research aims to see the level of scientific literacy abilities of junior high school students in Medan City in 2023. This research was carried out at several representative schools designated by researchers as schools representing sub-districts in Medan City. Sample selection was carried out using stratified random sampling. From the 21 sub-districts in the city of Medan, one superior junior high school in each sub-district was selected. From the 21 selected schools, 1 superior 8th grader from that school was taken from each school. The instruments used are scientific literacy questions which have previously been developed by researchers following the indicators set out in the PISA 2018 framework which consists of 15 indicators for 3 scientific literacy competencies in the PISA 2018 framework. It can be concluded that the average scientific literacy ability of students in Medan City was still in the sufficient category. Student achievement was still low in several PISA 2018 framework scientific literacy competency indicators

Endowment Sukuk (Shares) to Finance Scientific Services in Universities (A Comparative law Study)

The endowment was one of the most important means of scientific, intellectual and cultural progress for the Islamic countries throughout the years of our civilization; as it contributed to building the edifices of science and culture, and publishing them through mosques, schools, institutes and libraries. A large group of scholars, innovators, and researchers graduated from these endowment scientific institutions in various branches of human and cultural knowledge. Today, the endowment plays a prominent leading role in the scientific renaissance and knowledge advancement in the Islamic society. Also, many universities in Islamic and non-Islamic countries rely on the endowment to finance their scientific and research activities, and to raise the level of their research, researchers, and graduates. This study aims to clarify the importance of endowment Sukuk to provide cash liquidity for educational services, and to provide the necessary tools for these services, and the possibility of providing scientific competencies specialized in the various fields of teaching and scientific research, to contribute to scientific and social progress. This research study also combines the deductive and inductive approaches, in addition to following the comparative jurisprudential research methodology, by studying, analyzing and deducing in the light of the writings of scholars and researchers.