Science Education Research Articles

A Teaching Design with Ideological-Political Element on Reactions of Alkanes in College Chemistry II

College chemistry II is a basic course for normal college students majoring in science education in our university, and it is of practical significance to integrate ideological and political education into the teaching of the course to achieve the teaching purpose effectively. Taking the part “reactions of alkanes” as a case of teaching design, this paper discussed the teaching design ideas and methods of integrating ideological-political elements into the specialized course specifically in the setting of the three learning objectives, the introduction of the new lesson, the teaching of the three knowledge points, etc., and carried on the teaching reflection. By fully excavating the ideological-political elements in this course, and integrating the ideological and political education with cases related to reactions of alkanes in daily life and production practice into, it can arouse the students' attention and thinking, stimulate the students' interest in learning, and enhance the effectiveness of students' learning.

Try Yourself!

Abstract In 1928, a handbook on natural history collecting was published as part of a series of popular books on scientific experimentation. The “Försök själv” series addressed young people and positioned itself deliberately between textbooks and popular science publications. In this paper, I examine how collecting was recast as experiment in the context of the “Försök själv” series. It is situated in the intersection between the history of scientific publication and the history of collecting as pedagogical practice. It highlights a moment in science pedagogy when the rationales and practices of collecting were changing. It draws attention to the role of handbooks between teachers and objects, and between field, class-room, and laboratory. As publications, the “Försök själv” books straddle the boundary between textbooks and popular science. As handbooks they draw together books, things, and practices.

Profil Keterampilan Komunikasi dan Kolaborasi Peserta Didik dalam Pembelaran IPA Materi Pengenalan Sel pada Siswa SMP

This study aims to determine the profile of communication and collaboration skills of students in science learning on cell recognition material in class VIII SMP Negeri 8 Medan based on indicators of communication and collaboration skills and also based on the results of observations in learning and the results of in-depth interviews with students. This research was conducted in April-August 2024 at SMP Negeri 8 Medan. This research is included in descriptive research with qualitative methods. Determination of subjects using purposive sampling technique. The subjects consisted of 1 science teacher of class VIII and 4 students of class VIII. The data analysis technique used in this research is descriptive qualitative. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with research subjects and also direct observation related to communication and collaboration skills of students in learning. The results showed that the communication and collaboration skills of students on cell recognition material showed diverse abilities. The observation showed that only some students were active in sharing their opinions during class discussions, while others were not able to explain the material well. Although students' enthusiasm was high, only a few were able to effectively discuss the material again. However, they showed good communication by asking and answering questions from the teacher and classmates. In addition, students' collaboration skills can be seen from active participation in discussions and group work, where they can work together to complete tasks in a timely and responsible manner.

PRAKTIKALITAS E-LKPD BERBASIS STEM-PjBL DALAM PEMBELAJARAN IPA FASE B

The presentation of LKPD, especially in science learning, needs to experience innovation, including the use of technology to improve the quality of learning, namely by developing E-LKPD. Previous research has developed a STEM-PjBL based Science E-LKPD, but the response of class IV students to the E-LKPD is not yet known. This research aims to determine students' responses to STEM-PjBL-based Science E-LKPD. This research uses qualitative data and quantitative data. The research results were obtained based on the results of the student and teacher response instruments to the STEM-PjBL based Science E-LKPD which got an average percentage of 83% on the one to one test UI and the students' response results got an average percentage of 95% with very good category in small group trials, and teacher responses were 93%, all of which reflect suitability and excellence in various important aspects of learning.

The More the Better? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Benefits of More than Two External Representations in STEM Education

Over the last decades, a multitude of results in educational and psychological research have shown that the implementation of multiple external representations (MERs) in educational contexts represents a valuable tool for fostering learning and problem-solving skills. The context of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has received great attention because it necessitates using various symbolic (e.g., text and formula) and graphical representations (e.g., pictures and graphs) to convey subject content. Research has mainly explored effects of combining two representations, but the potential benefits of integrating more than two representations on students’ learning remain underexplored. This gap limits our understanding of promising educational practices and restricts the development of effective teaching strategies catering to students’ cognitive needs. To close this gap, we conducted a systematic review of 46 studies and a meta-analysis that included 132 effect sizes to evaluate the effectiveness of using more than two representations in STEM education and to identify moderating factors influencing learning and problem-solving. A network diagram analysis revealed that the advantages of learning and problem-solving with MERs are also applicable to more than two representations. A subsequent meta-analysis revealed that the learning with more than two representations in STEM can have advantageous effects on students cognitive load (Hedges′g=0.324,p<.001,95%CI[0.164,0.484]\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{Hedges}}{^\\prime}g =0.324,~p<.001,~95\\%~\ ext{CI}~[0.164, 0.484]$$\\end{document}) and performance (Hedges′g=0.118,p<.001,95%CI[0.050,0.185]\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{Hedges}}{^\\prime}g =0.118,~p<.001,~95\\%~\ ext{CI}~[0.050, 0.185]$$\\end{document}) compared to learning with two representations without notable differences in learning time. The analysis of moderating factors revealed that benefits of learning with more than two representations primarily depend on the provision of appropriate support.

Transforming Learning Orientations Through STEM Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education is challenged by industries to incorporate business, engineering, and communication experiences to prepare students for workplace success. In this study, we outline an approach—the STEM Oriented Alliance for Research (SOAR)—to enhance student experience by offering interdisciplinary project-based learning (IPBL) for undergraduate students majoring in electrical engineering, communications, and marketing. We examined how students’ disciplinary and cooperative orientations toward learning shifted in response to their experiences in a semester-long interdisciplinary project-based learning experience with authentic industry outputs. Using a multi-method approach, we explored how interdisciplinary projects influenced student experiences in terms of five collaboration abilities: positive interdependence, accountability, promotive interaction, group processing, and social skills. Further, we observed a shift from fixed- to more growth-oriented mindsets, and from a primarily disciplinary to interdisciplinary focus for their future professional work. The outcomes of the SOAR project make clear that providing structure for professional cooperation on interdisciplinary projects can have profound effects on how students learn to cooperate and position themselves as learners. For most SOAR participants, the experience was deeply formative and contributed to their readiness to cooperate and learn within the interdisciplinary and STEM-oriented workforce.

Voices of Elementary Computer Science Teachers: Computer Science Integration Rationales and Practices

Objectives . Computer Science (CS) education has become increasingly prevalent in elementary schools because of multiple rationales, such as the importance of computational literacy and the growing demand for CS-related workforce preparation. As elementary CS standards continue to be adopted by many states, more examples and voices from the field may help educators understand what effective computational thinking (CT)/CS integration looks like in practice. Method . We employed a descriptive qualitative approach to study eight award-winning K-8 CS teachers and aimed to answer three research questions: (1) What were elementary CS teachers’ rationales for CT/CS integration? (2) How do elementary CS teachers integrate CT/CS into their classroom practices? (3) What are the needs of CS teachers for meaningful CT/CS integration in elementary schools? Data were collected through interviews, a questionnaire, and artifacts and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings . Our findings of elementary CS teachers’ rationales for CT/CS integration encompassed its essential nature as a literacy skill, its potential to promote equity in education, and its alignment with standards across various disciplines. To support CT/CS integration at the elementary level, CS teachers described important aspects with examples from their instructional practices: (a) Real-world applications; (b) hands-on activities; (c) strategies to scaffold and guide student learning; (d) collaboration with classroom teachers; and (e) support from professional development (PD). Conclusion . The study results shared CS teachers’ voices from practice and shed light on the urgent need for more support and PD opportunities for both homeroom teachers and CS teachers in elementary schools, as well as the crucial need for multiple levels of support within K-12 school systems. Continuous efforts in creating systematic and sustainable PD plans and supporting collaborative professional communities for teachers within the instructional context are a must to help prepare our elementary students with the essential CS knowledge and skills they need to thrive in this technology-rich society.

Citizen Science and Multimedia Didactic Resources: Knowledge of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in an Urban Area of Southwestern Colombia

Citizen science resources have had great relevance in community educational intervention, fostering interest in ecological research projects. This study investigated the influence of the application of multimedia didactic resources focused on citizen science and analysis of sociodemographic variables to improve the levels of ecological knowledge about mosquito-borne diseases. For this, a probabilistic sample of 172 participants from an urban sector in southwestern Colombia was selected. A multimedia didactic material was designed for the educational intervention and evaluated by means of pretest and posttest. To assess whether the educational intervention was statistically significant, the data were processed with statistical inference to determine the influence of various variables (gender, age, marital status, schooling, and occupation) on each person’s ecological knowledge. The findings showed a significant increase in the knowledge levels of the participants. The marital status variable (married and cohabiting) significantly influenced ecological knowledge. These participants are more likely to obtain high knowledge, associated with the prevention of their family environment. This study demonstrated that multimedia didactic strategies are an important factor to take into account in the structuring of environmental education and citizen science projects. For future research, it is suggested to deepen the relationship between sociodemographic variables and ecological knowledge.

Design and Validation of a University Education Peer Observation Tool

Objective: The aim of this study was to design and validate a university education PoT instrument. Theoretical Framework: It has become a priority to implement Peer Observation of Teaching (PoT) in the domain of higher education. There are different PoT approaches, a social credentialism model and a feedback-oriented approach. Method: The Higher Education-PoT (HE-PoT) tool was designed ad hoc following observational methodology principles. The original items were drawn from a systematic review of PoT tools by Otero-Saborido et al. (2024). The procedure consisted of two phases: in the first qualitative phase, items from the tool were selected and circulated within a group of experts; in the second quantitative phase, the items were quantified using the Aiken coefficient Results and Discussion: It was initially based on a systematic review of PoT tools and subsequently subjected to 4 rounds of revisions by Physical Education and Sports Science teaching experts. The final tool consisted of a total of 33 descriptive categories divided into 11 items. The validity of all item contents was calculated using Aiken's coefficient (value equal to 0.75 or above, except for 2 items which scored 0.66) and all categories obtained values above 0.75. A total of 25 of the 33 categories presented values over 0.90. Research Implications: Future works should test the tool reliability so that it can be used to improve teaching following collaborative approaches. Originality/Value: Validated PoT tools are generally lacking in university education. The designed tool includes a number of items that contribute to a sustainable observation for teachers.

Enhancing scientific creativity through an inquiry-based teaching approach in secondary science classrooms

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of inquiry-based teaching on students’ scientific creativity. Using a quasi-experimental design in a Chinese secondary school, the study compared intervention students (N = 102) and control students (N = 245), employing pre- and post-assessments with the ‘Comprehensive Scientific Creativity’ instrument. The intervention involved a biology teacher taking five inquiry-based teaching lessons over a period of two months in each of three 10th-grade classes. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed statistically significant enhancements in their creativity, specifically in their divergent thinking and convergent thinking, but no difference in their attainment scores or motivation in scientific creativity. The results from the control group suggested that the educational activities they routinely experience may hinder the development of students’ divergent and convergent thinking. Observations of the lessons and interviews with the teacher and students highlighted the challenges of implementing more inquiry-based teaching in upper secondary science lessons in China. These findings provide science educators with inquiry-based teaching strategies for fostering scientific creativity among upper secondary school students, and underscore the need for future research to address implementation challenges associated with inquiry-based teaching.

A “Mastery Unapproached”

Abstract An almost ideal context for a case study on the development, use, and reception of multimodal material educational settings can be found in the works of Göttingen physicist Robert Wichard Pohl (1884–1976). From 1919 on, Pohl created an educational programme for introductory lectures on experimental physics, in which he demonstrated fundamental concepts and phenomena using simple yet meaningful experiments that were projected on the front wall of the lecture hall. With his teaching aids, technical infrastructure, and textbook, Pohl changed the teaching of physics at schools and universities in Germany and beyond. Pohl’s original devices are still part of the teaching collection used during introductory physics lectures. I will argue that teaching collections, as the material foundations for such “regimes of practices,” should be treated not as passive archives of objects but as dynamic, complex environments that allow new insights into the history of science teaching.

Scientific Literacy in Basic Education: An Analysis of Curricula Contexts and Pre-service Teachers’ Views in Tanzania

This is an analysis of how scientific literacy (SL) is featured in the science education pipeline of Tanzania based on the SL frameworks of five arguments (economic, utility, democratic, social and cultural) and three visions (Visions I–III). It analyses four curriculum documents for science in basic education, and the views of 79 pre-service teachers collected using a questionnaire. The findings indicate that only economic and utility arguments are abundant in the curricula and pre-service teachers’ responses. Further, the findings show that Tanzania’s basic education science curriculum largely reflects Vision I, which emphasises content and procedural knowledge. Moreover, the curriculum is highly structured, thus making it difficult for teachers and students to engage in science-related situations (Vision II). The need to cope with the pressure exerted on teachers and students by high-stakes examinations adds to this difficulty. Generally, we establish that SL is not well featured in all the curriculum documents we analysed, as the pre-service teachers’ responses confirmed. We recommend that the curriculum be reviewed to include explicit reference to SL.

Advancing scientific literacy: Integrating nature of science and nature of scientific inquiry in teaching Griffith’s and Avery-MacLeod-McCarty experiments

The present study aims to design an instruction that engages nature of science (NOS) and nature of scientific inquiry (NOSI) learning objectives with the teaching and learning of important historical experiments taught around the world and presented in most biology textbooks such as those by Griffith and by Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty. The design process involves decisions about which NOS and NOSI aspects to teach and decisions about how to teach. With respect to the latter decisions, our preference is an explicit/reflective perspective used in an overarching inquiry-based science teaching and history of science instructional context. The proposed course is going to provide high school students meaningful and practical inquiry-based experiences through the use of simulated experiments and would help their teachers (a) illuminate several procedural aspects of the taught experiments (b) internalize the importance of teaching NOS and NOSI aspects (c) acquire an integrative understanding of the process of scientific inquiry and the product of that inquiry, namely scientific knowledge, and (d) portray science less as a body of knowledge and more as a creative process involving human and non-human actors. The potential benefits of our proposed instruction for learners’ scientific literacy are also discussed.

The Effect of Using the Wheatley Educational Model According to Cooperative Groups to Reflective Thinking and Learning the Basic Skills of Freestyle Swimming for Students

The research aimed to identify the effect of the Wheatley model according to cooperative groups in reflective thinking and learning the basic skills of freestyle swimming for students. As for the research hypothesis, it was represented by the presence of statistically significant differences between the post-tests of the two groups (experimental and control), and the research population was determined by the intentional method of third-stage students in College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Sulaymaniyah. As for the research sample, it was randomly selected by lottery from Division (A) and consisted of (32) students. It was divided into two groups: the experimental group, which consisted of (14) students, and the control group, which consisted of (14) students. The skill tests for free swimming were relied upon to reach the results after treating them with appropriate statistical means. The researcher concluded that the Wheatley educational model according to the cooperative groups had a positive impact on reflective thinking and learning the basic skills of free swimming for the third stage students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences in University of Sulaymaniyah. The researcher recommended the need to use the Wheatley educational model according to cooperative groups in learning the basic skills of freestyle swimming for different stages and age groups. The researcher also recommended the need to use the Wheatley educational model according to cooperative groups in teaching various other activities and sports.

Developing the Learning Achievement of Motion and Force and Analytical Thinking of Grade 8 Students Using Integrated STEM Education and Inquiry-Based Learning

This Study aim to investigate the effects of integrated inquiry-based and STEM education learning management on Thai grade 8 students&amp;rsquo; analytical thinking and learning achievement. The research employed a one-group experimental design with 37 grade 8 students from a public school in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, selected through purposive sampling. The instruments used in this study included an inquiry-based STEM education integrated learning management plan, a learning achievement test on motion and force, and an analytical thinking test. Data were collected through pretests and posttests on learning achievement and analytical thinking, and ongoing assessments during the learning activities. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean score, standard deviation, effectiveness index (E1/E2), and a paired samples t-test. The results indicated that the overall effectiveness of the learning management, calculated as the E1/E2 ratio, was 77.20/77.57, meeting the predetermined criteria of 75/75. Furthermore, significant increases in analytical thinking and learning achievement were observed at the statistical level of 0.5. These findings support the effectiveness of integrating inquiry-based learning with STEM education in enhancing students&amp;rsquo; analytical thinking and learning achievement, contributing valuable insights to educational practices in science education.

PEDAQOJİ ELMDƏ MODELLƏŞDİRMƏ PROBLEMLƏRİ: TƏHLİL VƏ PERSPEKTİVLƏR

Problems of modeling in pedagogical science are a serious challenge for scientists and practitioners in the field of education. However, through joint efforts and the development of new methodologies, we can overcome these obstacles and create more accurate and effective models that contribute to improving the quality of education and the successful development of students.

Education, Science and Technology, and Talent Integrated Development: Evidence from China

Education, science and technology, and talent are significant factors driving economic growth. Coordinating the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent is not only an important way to achieve the development of education, technology, and talent themselves, but it is also a crucial path to sustainable development. The research objectives of this paper are to explore the coupling coordination relationship among the three subsystems of education, science and technology, and talent and to investigate their spatiotemporal pattern evolution characteristics. This paper, based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2001 to 2022, constructs an evaluation index system for “education–science and technology–talent” (EST) development from three dimensions: education, science and technology, and talent. It comprehensively employs methods such as spatiotemporal pattern evolution, LISA time path, and spatial transitions to evaluate the level of China’s EST. The results indicate the following: (1) During the research period, the level of China’s EST shows a significant upward trend, with the educational subsystem being the most prominent. (2) The level of China’s EST development has a significant spatial differentiation characteristic, generally showing a decreasing trend from the eastern to the central and western regions. (3) In terms of the stability of the spatiotemporal pattern, the spatial pattern of China’s EST development is relatively stable, and there is no significant spatial shift during the research period. This study provides a new method for the evaluation of complex systems and also offers a reference for the economic growth of many developing countries.

Redefining expertise: how proponents and opponents of alternative therapies evaluate expertise

ABSTRACT Traditionally, scientific education is considered a main guarantee for expertise. However, new self-taught therapy providers increasingly seek expert status in health and well-being. These ‘field experts’ sometimes challenge the authority of scientific experts, arousing public debates on expertise and expert qualifications. This expansion of expertise, a popular topic in science and technology studies in the last decades, is driven partly by changes in the media environment and increasing consumer interest. Current research on citizen engagement in science often presumes citizens hold a stakeholder position or (aim to) participate in knowledge production. However, ways of participation in expertise and science are constantly changing, partly due to the evolving media landscape enabling new forms of participation. Online debate around alternative therapies by a well-known Finnish health influencer, Maria Nordin, show that citizens and consumers set competing criteria for health and well-being experts and use online discussions to negotiate these criteria. Proponents of alternative therapies highlight consumers’ responsibility for their health in the freedom of choice frame and describe traditional epistemic authorities as corrupt in the distrust frame. Opponents of alternative therapies promote science-based expertise in explaining and treating symptoms in the biomedical frame and criticize alternative experts for misleading consumers in the hoax frame. Citizens and consumers are increasingly involved in contesting and legitimizing experts and negotiating criteria for expertise and, thus, participating in the expansion of expertise.

Enhancing STEAM Education with AR: A Primary Education Teacher Training Study

This research delves into the influence of Augmented Reality (AR) on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education within the domain of primary school teacher training at the university level. The core aim is to augment digital literacy within the primary education framework through inquiry-based teaching methods. This investigation was organized among students enrolled in the Faculty of Education, Comenius University in Bratislava. The empirical research is devoted to the contribution of AR technologies to the enhancement of STEAM education and its implications for future primary education teachers. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, the study facilitated small-group project work among students, complemented by focus groups and interviews to garner comprehensive insights into their experiences and perceptions. The findings of this study illuminate the significant role of AR applications for enriching STEAM education, manifesting in motivation of future teachers and the advancement of specific STEAM competencies. The results indicate the advantage of the integration of AR technologies in educational settings as a tool for supporting digital, technical, and artistic skills among students. The research results are possible to use in the innovation of teacher training primary education study program. An interdisciplinary approach towards STEAM education can help future teachers to navigate and to understand a technologically driven world effectively. Furthermore, the study offers actionable recommendations for practicing primary school educators on the implementation of AR-based pedagogical strategies to enrich the learning experience. By doing so, it aims to bridge the gap between traditional educational methodologies and the demands of contemporary digital literacy, ultimately fostering a more engaging and effective learning environment for future generations. The research results will be implemented into the STEAM oriented subjects into the primary school teacher training at the university level and in the lifelong learning of the in-service primary school teachers from educational practise.

Perceived challenges and opportunities for basic scientists transitioning to basic science educators in medical and health professions education

Basic science educators play a significant role in medical and health professions curricula, particularly in the biomedical science components. Although the shift from basic scientists to educators seems promising, no study has yet explored the transition process from the perspective of basic scientists themselves, especially in the early stages of their transition. An anonymous survey with voluntary participation was administered to all basic scientists in National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The survey aimed to identify the perceived challenges faced by basic scientists transitioning to basic science educators in medical and health professions education. This study consisted of Likert scale questions, followed by one multiple-choice question and two open-ended questions. Twenty-one basic scientists either postdoctoral fellows or instructors, completed the study. The study found that gaps in clinical content and experience, along with teaching pedagogy and training were among the major concerns for basic scientists aspiring to be basic science educators. These challenges and shortcomings could potentially be addressed by providing them with clinical shadowing opportunities, education mentorship and teaching training. Since most respondents lacked teaching experience, the results might differ if the majority had been involved in teaching within medical and health professions education. Nonetheless, it is important to understand and acknowledge the challenges and concerns experienced by basic scientists and examine how they can navigate them in the process of their transition to teaching medical and health professions. This also provides opportunities for personal reflection and development so that basic science educators will be more prepared for greater challenges and the ever-changing demands of contemporary medical and health professions education.