Context Of Science Education Research Articles

Modelling the Sociocultural Contexts of Science Education: The Teachers’ Perspective

A growing body of research argues that teachers’ beliefs and practices should be studied within the sociocultural contexts of their work because the relationship between their beliefs and practices is both complex and context-dependent. There is a need for further research in this area in understudied contexts such as developing countries, in order to promote effective education in schools and the professional development of teachers. This paper argues that if this ‘black box’ of sociocultural contexts in which science teachers are embedded is better understood, it may be possible to identify specific aspects of these contexts related to educational organizations that act as either supports or barriers to pedagogical reform or to implementing innovations in science education. Consequently, the main purpose of this study is to explore the sociocultural contexts of ten Egyptian science teachers and to what extent these sociocultural contexts help in understanding teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and practices. This paper, by utilizing a multi-grounded theory approach and qualitative methods, reveals a variety of sociocultural contexts that are related to teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and practices.

The politics of teaching evolution, science education standards, and Being a creationist

AbstractThis paper analyzes recent research conclusions regarding biology teacher attitudes toward evolution, and the variable implementation of evolution in the high schools nationwide. Berkman and Plutzer (2010. Evolution, creationism, and the battle to control America's classrooms. New York: Cambridge University Press) conclude that due to a large portion of high school biology teachers compromising or downplaying evolution in the curriculum, the placement of evolution specific courses in biology teacher preparation programs will steer evolution deniers away from the field. In this paper, such arguments are situated in a larger historical and philosophical context of science education. By discussing recent sociological insight into the religiosity of education majors and education faculty, new questions are raised about student and teacher ontology, what this means for understanding science, the politics of science teacher education programs, and the epistemological and ethical limits of science education standards to dissolve Creationism. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 122–139, 2012

Evaluation of authentic science projects on climate change in secondary schools: a focus on gender differences

Background and purpose This study examines secondary-school students’ opinions on participating in authentic science projects which are part of an international EU project on climate change research in seven countries. Partnerships between schools and research institutes result in student projects, in which students work with and learn from scientists about the global carbon cycle. This study focuses in particular on differences between male and female students, as female students normally like traditional school science less than male students. Sample and design Data, drawn from 1370 students from 60 secondary schools across Europe, were collected through questionnaires taken at the end of the projects. The evaluated aspects were: organization; enjoyment; difficulty; and impact of the projects. Results The findings suggest that authentic science education is appreciated very much by both male students and even more by female students. The projects had positive impacts on climate change ideas, in particular for female students. Female students felt that they had learned many new things more often than male students. Conclusions Both male and female students have positive opinions about the authentic science projects. The results further point to positive effects of activities in which students have an active role, like hands-on experiments or presentation of results. The findings are placed in the international context of science education and their implications for policy are discussed.

(W)rapping relationships between science education and globalisation

This essay reviews the contribution of Rowhea Elmesky in this volume, to the field of research in science education, and places it in the context of the juncture of youth disengagement with science, multicultural education and globalisation, with an underlay of a historical context and critiques of science education from feminist and postcolonial perspectives.

Perspectivas de historia y contexto cultural en la enseñanza de las ciencias: discusiones para los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje

Este trabajo pretende socializar y retroalimentar determinadas reflexiones que surgen en torno de las relaciones existentes entre: Historia de las Ciencias, Contexto Cultural y Enseñanza de las Ciencias. Asumidas como perspectivas posibles, que poseen un alto potencial de transformación de los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Dichas reflexiones adquieren un carácter incluyente que no se limita a la formación de profesores sino que se extiende a la formación en ciencias en general. El trabajo se estructura en: 1. Historia de las ciencias; 2. Contexto cultural; 3. Enseñanza de las ciencias y 4. Relaciones existentes entre estas. No se asume que tales reflexiones sean la conclusión de dicho abordaje, muy por el contrario, se presenta este como una invitación al lector a pensar en torno de la enseñanza desde una perspectiva histórica y cultural y cómo este hace posible entender de una manera asertiva lo que puede significar educar en ciencias.

Didactic transposition in computer science education

This paper introduces the concept of didactic transpositions in the context of computer science education (CSE). In general, didactic transposition refers to the adaptation of professional knowledge to teaching situations. With respect to CSE, we illustrate the concept of didactic transpositions with two research works that examined a didactic transposition of software development methods to educational frameworks: the first one---in the university; the second---in the high school.

Teaching Environmental Education through PBL: Evaluation of a Teaching Intervention Program

If our chosen aim in science education is to be inclusive and to improve students’ learning achievements, then we must identify teaching methodologies that are appropriate for teaching and learning specific knowledge. Karagiorgi and Symeo (2005) remind us that instructional designers are thus challenged to translate the philosophy of constructivism into current practice. Thus, research in science education must focus on evaluating intervention programs which ensure the effective construction of knowledge and development of competencies. The present study reports the elaboration, application and evaluation of a problem-based learning (PBL) program with the aim of examining its effectiveness with students learning Environmental Education. Prior research on both PBL and Environmental Education (EE) was conducted within the context of science education so as to elaborate and construct the intervention program. Findings from these studies indicated both the PBL methodology and EE as helpful for teachers and students. PBL methodology has been adopted in this study since it is logically incorporated in a constructivism philosophy application (Hendry et al. 1999) and it was expected that this approach would assist students towards achieving a specific set of competencies (Engel 1997). On the other hand, EE has evolved at a rapid pace within many countries in the new millennium (Hart 2007), unlike any other educational area. However, many authors still appear to believe that schools are failing to prepare students adequately in EE (Walsche 2008; Winter 2007). The following section describes the research that was conducted in both areas so as to devise the intervention program.

Argument to Foster Scientific Literacy

The goal of scientific literacy has led to a steady increase in argument-based interventions in science education contexts. It has been suggested that student participation in argument develops communication skills, metacognitive awareness, critical thinking, an understanding of the culture and practice of science, and scientific literacy. Although argument does influence communication skills, metacognition, and critical thinking, not all forms of argument promote an understanding of scientific practice and, subsequently, scientific literacy. This study of 54 articles from the research literature examines how argument interventions promote scientific literacy. Articles were classified across three domains to determine structural patterns of the various argument interventions: (a) the nature of the argument activity, (b) the emphasis of the argument activity, and (c) the aspects of science included in the argument activity. The structures of the interventions suggest that researchers approach learning of argument through immersion, teaching the structure of argument, and emphasizing the interaction of science and society. Immersion-oriented interventions utilized argument as an integrated component to student investigations. Argument structure interventions taught the structure of argument separate from investigations and asked students to apply it across various explanatory activities. Science- and society-based interventions used socioscientific issues to contextualize and provide purpose for argument. The three orientations toward argument instruction are discussed in light of the epistemic nature of science and scientific literacy. The orientations can serve as an opportunity to refine understanding of argument interventions, particularly with regard to the pursuit of scientific literacy.

Joseph Priestley Across Theology, Education, and Chemistry: An Interdisciplinary Case Study in Epistemology with a Focus on the Science Education Context

This paper discusses the findings of a search for the intellectual tools used by Joseph Priestley (1733–1804) in his chemistry, education, and theology documents. Priestley’s enquiring democratic view of knowledge was applicable in all three areas and constitutes a significant part of his lifework. Current epistemological issues in science education are examined from the point of view of the nature of theory and experiment as observed in Priestley’s writings and as espoused in modern philosophy of science. Science and religious faith issues in the context of science education are examined from the point of view of one’s understanding of sacred texts, and the suggestion is made that a Priestleyan model of “the liberty to think for oneself” and “to hold knowledge with humility and virtue” could prove helpful in dealing with the known divergent opinions in relation to science, education, and religion.

Health Science Education: Reviewing a Framework for Problem‐Based Learning

Although problem-based learning (PBL) has become one pedagogical approach to gain currency in recent decades, its foundational underpinnings have remained obscure. This investigation seeks to elucidate the theoretical framework or assumptions upon which PBL operates. We have situated core PBL principles in the larger context of health science education, which underwent dramatic changes at the beginning of the twentieth century. The fundamental problem at that time in dental education was moving beyond a lecture-based and apprentice curriculum (students memorizing facts) to a critical thinking-based curriculum. We trace these developments and especially the principles that one thinker, who does not easily fit into any one school of thought, used to frame the problem. We found that the principles underlying the idea of PBL have existed for over a century in varying academic alleys outside of dentistry (including constructivist thought). Despite our technological advances, many of the core challenges of a century ago remain challenges today. Although PBL is certainly not the only way to provide dental students an opportunity to best develop critical thinking, it nevertheless provides an environment in which the learning process may be enhanced.

Investigating the Influence of Motivation on Students’ Conceptual Learning Outcomes in Web-based vs. Classroom-based Science Teaching Contexts

The purposes of this study were to investigate students’ conceptual learning outcomes and the effect of motivation on students’ conceptual learning outcomes in two different contexts: a Web-based and a classroom-based instruction, which incorporated the Dual Situation Learning Model (DSLM). Nine classes of Grade eight students (N = 190) were involved in the study; five classes participated in a Web-based context and four classes in a regular classroom-based context. The topic covered was chemical reaction. Students’ conceptual change outcomes were assessed using eight two-tier pre/post conceptual tests during the instruction and the reaction rate integrated conceptual test at the end of the instruction. Students’ motivation data were collected in the beginning and during instruction using the items from the Students’ Motivation Toward Science Learning (SMTSL) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, ANCOVA, bivariate correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that students’ motivational factors were correlated significantly with their conceptual learning outcomes in both Web-based and classroom-based science teaching. In the Web-based context, students’ motivation during the Web-based learning played a more important role on students’ conceptual learning outcomes than before learning.

Quando o cotidiano pede espaço na escola, o projeto da feira de ciências ''Vida em Sociedade'' se concretiza

Este trabalho traz apontamentos sobre as Feiras de Ciências no contexto histórico do ensino de ciências no Brasil e do ensino por projetos. Na intenção de investigar uma Feira de Ciências realizada em uma escola estadual de Uberlândia, MG, com base no ensino por projetos e a partir de uma parceria escola-universidade, desenvolvemos esta pesquisa com objetivo de analisar a construção coletiva de uma proposta diferenciada de Feira de Ciências, sua respectiva avaliação e a implicação na formação de professores. O tema integrador definido pelos professores foi ''Vida em sociedade'', com dez temas relacionados. A avaliação da Feira foi desenvolvida por alunos, professores, pesquisadora e estagiários universitários, com discussão sobre os pontos evidenciados pelos envolvidos. De forma geral, o projeto foi compreendido positivamente pelos alunos e professores, mas a forma como os professores percebem o ensino por projetos e a Feira de Ciências determina o envolvimento dos mesmos na elaboração do evento.

Multi‐level Assessment of Scientific Content Knowledge Gains Associated with Socioscientific Issues‐based Instruction

This study explored the impact of using a socioscientific issue (SSI) based curriculum on developing science content knowledge. Using a multi‐level assessment design, student content knowledge gains were measured before and after implementation of a three‐week unit on global warming (a prominent SSI) that explored both the relevant science content and the controversy surrounding global warming. Measures of student content knowledge were made using a standards‐aligned content knowledge exam (distal assessment) and a curriculum‐aligned exam (proximal assessment). Data were collected from 108 students enrolled from two schools. Quantitative analysis of the distal assessment indicated that student post‐test scores were statistically significantly different than their pre‐test scores (F = 15.31, p<0.001). Qualitative analyses of student responses from the proximal assessment indicated that students, on average, expressed more accurate, more detailed, and more sophisticated understandings of global warming, the greenhouse effect, and the controversy and challenges associated with these issues following the three‐week unit. Combined results from the proximal and distal assessments explored in this study offer important evidence in supporting the efficacy of using SSI as contexts for science education. In addition to a discussion of the components of an SSI‐based curriculum, this study provides support for the use of SSI as a context for learning science content.

Science Education and Student Diversity: Synthesis and Research Agenda – By Okhee Lee and Aurolyn Luykx

Science Education and Student Diversity: Synthesis and Research Agenda – By Okhee Lee and Aurolyn Luykx

Working memory and science education: exploring the compatibility of theoretical approaches

Research in science education has referred to limitations in information processing resulting from both mental capacity and working memory capacity. Mental capacity is often conceptualised within the framework of the theory of constructive operators. However, the cognitive resources underlying working memory are not well specified within the context of science education. Here we review models of both mental capacity and working memory and discuss the compatibility of theoretical approaches. It is proposed that exploring relationships between working memory and science attainment within the context of the multiple‐component model of working memory may prove productive. Furthermore, the model outlines a number of important implications for educational practice.

Comment faire réaliser des activités scientifiques et technologiques à l’école primaire ?

We briefly present the context of science education in France when « la main a la pâte » began in 1996 in order to reform the teaching of science and technology at primary school. Then, we analyse the propositions offered in the frame of this dealing comparing with the knowledge about teaching and learning descended from didactic researches.

MOKSLINIŲ PASIEKIMŲ ANALITINĖ APŽVALGA HAPTICS TECHNOLOGIJŲ SRITYJE

The technologies are expanding their possibilities in the global information age. The scholars aim to explicate perspectives of human power practice. Haptics technology is one of the ultimate technological trends. Visual culture and technological progress had speeded up the researches in this area. When possibilities to organize constructs of virtual reality have sprung up, the scholars had started discussion about the integration of haptic sense into information reception, conveyance and soak processes. It can be as the facility of studying and some performance of actions, to speed up technological progress. There are analyzing explorations in haptics technology trend (medicine, science education, robotic researches, computer science and experimental brain researches) in this article. The author is searching for connections between haptics technology ranges trends and technology adaptation for educational quality development. The subject of the research – researches in haptics technology trend. Aim of the research – to explore researches of haptics technology. The tasks of research are to single out the ranges, where haptics technology is generating in practice, to single out education range, where explorations and achievements of haptics technology is the most relevant, to ascertain the importance of haptics technology on the international ground aspect in science education context. Methods of research: metaanalysis, systemic structural analysis, comparative analysis. Results and conclusion: • Accomplished analysis shows that haptics technologies are generating practically in 5 ranges: medicine, science education, robotic researches, computer science and experimental brain researches. • It is ascertained, that the most achievements of haptics technology researches are in science education range. It is important to make more qualitative science education. The researches from Lithuania in this range are one of the leaders in the world (together with JAV, Korea). • Tactile is very important to visual-spatial perception development, this conditions haptics technology to give and to activate modulations in the human mental structure. The information and mental models are memorizing for longer period. Keywords: haptics technology, cyber researches, human brain researches, medicine, computer, science education.

지구계 교육에 대한 과학 교사의 인식과 지향: 사례연구

교육활동에서 교사는 핵심적인 역할을 수행하고 있으며, 교육활동에 대한 교사들의 인식과 지향은 교육의 실천적인 맥락에서 핵심적인 요소로 작동한다. 따라서 과학교사의 지구계 수업에 대한 인식과 지향을 분석하는 것은, 지구계 교육의 목표가 현실에서 어떠한 모습으로 구현될지 가늠할 수 있게끔 한다. 이러한 생각을 바탕으로 이 연구에서는 두 명의 과학교사가 작성한 교수 학습계획안과 심층면담을 통하여 이들이 지구계 교육에 대한 인식을 알아보고, 교사의 지향을 수업에 대한 일반적 관점과 통합의 관점에서 분석하였다. 연구 결과 지구계 교육의 궁극적 겨냥점인 '전지구적 과학소양'에 대한 교사의 충분한 이해가 선행될 때 그 취지가 충분히 반영된 지구계 수업이 실천될 수 있는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 교사가 전 지구적 과학 소양을 함양하기 위해서는 네트워크 통합을 포함한 다양한 통합의 상(像)이 교사에게 구체적으로 제시될 것이 요구되었다. 아울러 현장에서 지구계 수업을 활성화하기 위해서는 지구계 교육 커리큘럼 구성에 대한 제도적인 뒷받침이 필요한 것으로 보인다. Teachers play key roles in classroom instruction. The perceptions and orientations of teachers about teaching have substantial effect on the practical context of science teaching. Analyzing science teacher's perceptions and orientations about Earth Systems Education (ESE) offers an opportunity to figure out how the goals of ESE might be dealt with. In this study, lesson plans developed by and in-depth interview results with two teachers were analyzed in terms of ESE perceptions. ESE orientations were also investigated in terms of teaching orientations and integration orientations. Research results showed that the teacher's deep understandings about 'Global Scientific Literacy (GSL)', the ultimate goal of ESE, precede the sound ESE teaching in the classroom. To enhance teachers' GSL, exemplary aspects of various integration, including networked integration, should be provided specifically to teachers. Also, the institutionalized approaches to developing ESE curriculum could help classroom teachers activate ESE teaching in their classroom.

The historical context of science and education at the American Museum of Natural History

In this article I critically examine the historical context of science education in a natural history museum and its relevance to using museum resources to teach science today. I begin with a discussion of the historical display of race and its relevance to my practice of using the Museum’s resources to teach science. I continue with a critical review of the history of the education department in a natural history museum to demonstrate the historical constitution of current practices of the education department. Using sociocultural constructs around identity formation and transformation, I move to the present with a case study of a teacher who transforms the structure of science education in her classroom and school as a result of her identity transformation and association with a museum-based professional education program.

‘THEY GO TO SEE A SHOW’

Nineteenth‐century museums of science and industry were public spaces where visitors could encounter unique modes of visual spectacle celebrating machines in motion as emblems of the Industrial Revolution. A diverse set of visitors traversed the halls of the South Kensington and Patent Museums in London in pursuit of information about the latest inventions as well as a hefty dose of visual spectacle and an opportunity to mingle with family and friends. Contemporaneous debates in parliamentary circles and the popular press suggest some of the anxieties generated by new spectacularized and interactive display techniques introduced in the second half of the nineteenth century. This article argues that public museums used interactive display methods long before the concept became a museum buzzword in the 1990s, and situates the emergence of the London Science Museum within a broader context of science education and entertainment, including discussion of experiments at the Royal Institution in London and the popular Mechanics Institutes. Many of the anxieties first voiced in the nineteenth century about the conflict between spectacle and popular appeal versus science and education have been echoed in recent controversies over contemporary hands‐on science centres and museums.