Science Teaching Methods Research Articles

Investigating Elementary Teachers' Perceptions of Traditional Science Teaching Methods within the Single National Curriculum Framework

This study investigates elementary teachers' perceptions of traditional science teaching methods within the Single National Curriculum (SNC) at the elementary level. The primary objectives were to evaluate the science achievement of Grade IV students using both cooperative and traditional teaching methods, to compare the effectiveness of these methods based on students' ability levels, and to assess their impact across different science content areas. The study involved 69 elementary teachers, who provided data through a self-developed questionnaire, validated and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha during a pilot study. The data, collected via oral explanations followed by questionnaire completion, were analysed using statistical techniques such as mean and standard deviation. The findings reveal a preference among some teachers for traditional methods, citing their effectiveness in content delivery. However, there is also recognition of the need to enhance these methods with innovative techniques to improve student engagement and understanding. The study recommends refining traditional teaching approaches by integrating technology and experiential learning opportunities, ensuring a more comprehensive and effective science education experience for elementary students within the SNC framework.

Adopting Pedagogical Content Knowledge Principles in Secondary School Chemistry Teaching: An Insight from Tanzania

Tanzania is currently shifting from content-based to competence-based curriculum implementation, aligning with modern-day and global demands. Despite extensive research on enhancing science teaching methods, some gaps in understanding how these innovations diffuse into practice. This study aimed at assessing the local conditions and contexts which supported the adoption of pedagogical content knowledge principles in teaching secondary school chemistry in Tanzania. The study focuses on introducing pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) principles into secondary school chemistry education. This study was conducted from June to December 2022. Three Ordinary level secondary school chemistry modules were developed and used to empower 15 in-service secondary school teachers from 15 secondary schools across 6 regions of mainland Tanzania. A mixed approach, incorporating case study and quasi-experimental designs, along with the use of an Online Community of Practice (CoP) and the Higher-Order Thinking with Inclusion and Equity (HOTIE) framework, was employed to gain a deeper understanding of the innovation transfer. Data were collected and analyzed based on Moore and Benbasat’s [1] framework. Findings indicated positive impact in voluntariness, relative advantage, compatibility, ease of use, result demonstrability and visibility. However, findings revealed that inclusivity and equity issues were not sufficiently addressed. Participating teachers voluntarily engaged in the program and found the PCK approach compatible with their needs and experiences. The study concludes that the innovation holds promise for broader implementation, highlighting its potential scalability within Tanzania’s education system and elsewhere particularly in the developing countries. The study recommends more researches on use of PCK with inclusivity and equity.

Towards an Integrated Model for Orienting Preservice Science Teachers for 21st-Century Teaching

This conceptual paper builds the case for orienting preservice science teachers for 21<sup>st</sup>-century teaching on a footing of Miller et al. (2013) framework for science teacher preparation called the Model of Research-Based Education for Teachers (MORE for Teachers). MORE for Teachers frames science teacher preparation as anchored on four pillars: in-depth subject matter, research-based science teaching methods, guided practicum, and a shared vision of the pedagogy of science learning. Based on the limitations of Miller et al.'s linear model yet still maintaining the value of its central tenets the paper proposes a model that is interactive and framing standards in science teaching, curriculum development, rigorous content, research-based science methods course, and quality field experiences as the essential aspects for producing teacher candidates with the right skills for science teaching. The paper argues that pre-service science teachers (PSTs) development in teacher education colleges and universities requires a framework for harmonization that ensures consideration of all the necessary ingredients for science teacher preparation. Drawing on a diversity of literature sources on science teacher education the paper discusses the application of the proposed model in Zimbabwe, illustrating the importance of detailed methods courses, rigorous science content, expert mentoring, personal teaching philosophy, and a consideration of international trends in science teaching.  In conclusion, the paper recommends other contexts in which the integrated model for science teacher preparation can be used and some steps for its practical implementation.

The Impact of Online Cooperative Learning on Scientific Reasoning Skills and Motivation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, all universities across Turkey transitioned to remote education as an urgent measure. Despite indications that the pandemic has subsided, online teaching practices continue to prevail in higher education. Accordingly, the purpose of this study, conducted under extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic, is to examine the impact of online cooperative learning on the scientific reasoning skills and motivation of pre-service science teachers. A total of 54 students participated in the study, with 28 from the experimental group and 26 from the control group, following a non-equivalent control group design. The experimental group received instruction using the online cooperative learning, while the control group participated in large group discussions in an online environment in the context of a science teaching methods course. Data for the research were collected through pre-test and post-test administrations of the Lawson’s Classroom Test of Scientific Reasoning (LCTSR) and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). According to the results, compared to whole-class discussions, online cooperative learning increased pre-service science teachers’ scientific reasoning skills and motivation. In conclusion, online cooperative learning is considered an effective method for enhancing the pre-service science teachers’ education, contributing to the further improvement of online teaching, which has become even more widespread due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transforming science teaching in Namibia: A practical work inquiry framework for secondary schools

This study presents the practical work inquiry practice framework, which is designed to improve science practical work and inquiry-based instruction in secondary schools in Namibia. The framework has been developed based on both theoretical and empirical research. The study conducts a thorough examination of existing literature to identify research gaps in existing studies. It emphasizes the significant impact of teachers’ beliefs and external influences on the process of lesson planning. The framework aims to bridge the gap between teachers’ views and the actual implementation of the science curriculum, functioning at the macro, meso, and micro levels of education. It includes various aspects such as strategic planning, training for teachers, designing the curriculum, providing resources, implementing lessons in the classroom, giving feedback, fostering collaboration, monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, providing ongoing support, involving stakeholders, promoting a positive school culture, demonstrating leadership, supporting teachers, addressing learner diversity, and engaging the community. The aspects are classified into strategic, tactical, and operational functions that are interconnected to enhance scientific teaching methods. The established framework offers a complete and contextually applicable method to implementing science practical work in Namibian secondary schools. This approach is based on inquiry-based instruction and aims to increase overall education.

Classroom Learning Environment and Action Research in a Science Methods Course for Preservice Elementary Teachers

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of action research conducted by five science teaching methods course instructors on their students’ perceptions of the classroom learning environments at a large public university in Texas. The study analyzed the results from 133 students who completed two administrations of the What is Happening in this Class (WIHIC) questionnaire, one at the beginning of the semester and one at the end of the semester. Five sections served as a treatment group while two sections served as a control. Quantitative analyses, including one-way ANOVA, were conducted for each class section. Results showed that the perceived learning environment increased between the beginning of the semester and the end of the semester for all sections. However, the most significant gains in students’ perceptions were made in the treatment sections and were attributed to the action research interventions that were designed and implemented by the instructors based on the analyses of the first WIHIC administration.

Implementation of Digital Science and Literacy Teaching in Developing Science Literacy in Middle School Students in Indonesia

This research investigates the impact of science teaching methods and digital literacy on the development of science literacy among junior high school students in Indonesia. A quantitative analysis employing structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) was conducted on a sample of 150 students. Descriptive statistics revealed moderate science literacy levels, preferences for hands-on experiments, and a high proficiency in digital literacy. SEM-PLS results demonstrated significant positive relationships between science teaching methods, digital literacy, and science literacy. The bootstrapping analysis confirmed these relationships, emphasizing the importance of both factors in shaping science literacy outcomes. The model exhibited a strong fit, and coefficients indicated substantial explanatory and predictive power for Developing Science Literacy. These findings contribute to the understanding of effective educational strategies for science literacy in the Indonesian context.

Border crossing perspectives of prospective teachers’ first-time science microteaching experiences

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was on understanding and interpreting five minoritised pre-service teachers’ past educational experiences that impacted their first-time science microteaching experiences in a science teaching methods course. The study is unique because it illuminates and contributes to the literature on the importance of minoritised prospective teachers’ educational experiences in their pre-service preparation and how these experiences challenge or contradict the urgency of equitable science instruction in traditional teacher education instructional discourse. The study draws on the literature on border crossing as a guiding theoretical framework, and phenomenology as a guiding methodological framework to analyse first time science teaching experiences. Data included videos and written narratives of first-time science teaching experiences. Analysis indicated that past educational experience of being left out in doing science underscored minoritised pre-service teachers’ first-time science teaching experiences. Furthermore, they had created navigation strategies to counter the past educational experiences by challenging and modifying science teaching routines and devising equitable ways to use science teaching resources to cultivate a sense of belonging. The study suggests that future science education research would benefit from attention to minoritised pre-service teachers’ experiences used to challenge or contradict past educational inequities.

Educational model to strengthen research skills in primary level students

Scientific research skills are essential for all professions, yet they are not usually directly linked to school curricula. In this work, we have developed an educational model focused on the development of skills for scientific research to promote the culture of research in primary school children. For this, two work groups were formed: experimental and control. The classic teaching methods in Science and Technology were evaluated and contrasted with an innovative model based on scientific inquiry, observing that both are efficient. However, only the inquiry method offers meaningful and lasting learning, in addition to providing a socio-emotional impact on students.

A Pedagogical Analysis of Darius Mihaud’ s Piano Duet Suite Scaramouche

With the development of piano education, higher music colleges and universities are exploring scientific teaching methods, and the teaching mode of piano duet has entered the public’s view as an effective way to cultivate students’ musical perception. In today’s research, the performance analysis of piano duet has been involved, but the pedagogical analysis of the repertoire has not been explored in depth. Therefore, the study of analyzing repertoire with pedagogical analysis as the main body is very beneficial to the development of piano education. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the current situation of piano duet teaching, analyze it through hardware and software, and elaborate the important value of piano duet teaching. Taking French composer Mihaud’s Piano Duet Suite Scaramouche as an example, we start from the ontological analysis of the music, and study its compositional structure and the three major features of neoclassicism. On this basis, visual full score exercises, aural level and phrase exercises, and exercises of musical imagination are discussed in detail for pedagogical analysis. This paper follows the logic from macroscopic to microscopic to form a systematic teaching method of piano duet, with a view to providing reference and insight for the current research on the teaching of piano duet by applying analysis in piano education.

Bibliometric Analysis of Studies Based on Context-Based Learning Method in Science Teaching

Although the studies on Context-Based Learning (CBL) within the scope of science are increasingly blooming in recent years, original studies offering new perspectives still remain limited in numbers. This shows that in order to increase the quality of studies on CBL in science, physics, chemistry, and biology teaching, there is a need for more inclusive studies and to ensure these new studies are original in their content. The aim of this study is to emphasize the need for CBL in high school science teaching by making a bibliometric review of the literature on CBL within the scope of science on the Web of Science (WOS). Performing a search in WOS by limiting "Science education and education research" with the title filter and "Context-based" keyword, a total of 545 studies were found. These studies were visualized using the VOSviewer 1.6.18 program. In this study descriptive statistical analysis, citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, co-citation analysis, co-authorship analysis, and bibliographic matching analysis methods were used. The findings show that CBL is recorded in six main research areas: "Context-Based Learning", "Context-based approach", "Context-based problems", "Chemistry teaching", "Context-based responsibilities" and "Professional development of teachers". Although there have been intensive studies on CBL in the last 7 years, more qualified studies are needed within the scope of science education. There is a need for qualified studies on CBL for teachers to improve their teaching techniques and to overcome the gap in studies that facilitate students' learning.

EFFECTS OF MULTIMEDIA APPLICATION ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

The performance of agricultural science students is consistently low as seen in their external examinations. This could be attributed to the poor teaching methods, materials and techniques applied in teaching the subject. This study determined the multimedia application effects on the academic achievement of Agricultural science students. It adopted a mixed-method design. All the students and teachers of Agricultural science in secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria formed the population but six schools with 583 students and teachers of agriculture formed the sample. Students’ Academic Achievement Test in Agricultural Science (SAATAS) and Convenience Teaching Method Questionnaire (CTMQ) were used to collect data. Mean, ANCOVA and Friedman's test were used for data analyses. Results indicated that students instructed using multimedia significantly performed higher than the students instructed using the conventional teaching method. The performance of males was not different from that of the females. The interaction between the teaching media and gender had a non-significant effect on the academic achievement of students. Moreover, teachers adopted note-taking, lecture, demonstration and project methods but did not use multimedia in teaching. Teachers of agriculture accepted that inconsistent power supply, poor network connectivity, and non-availability of computers, among others, were the problems hindering them from using multimedia in teaching. Keywords: academic achievement, mixed method design, multimedia, agricultural science, teaching and learning

A model for teaching students to create educational games in supplementary education in computer science

Relevance. The relevance of the stated topic of this research is determined by the presence of significant changes in modern educational processes, which have caused an increase in the importance of issues of digital literacy and information technology education for students at all levels of educational institutions. Purpose. The main aim of this research is to explore the key principles of a model for teaching students how to create educational games in further education in computer science, with the programming environment Scratch selected as an example. Methodology. The methodological approach in this research is based on a combination of the method of system analysis of the principles of using educational computer games in the educational process and a comprehensive study of the impact of game-based methods of teaching classes on students’ learning of educational material. The scientific research was conducted on the basis of the Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abay. Results. In this scientific study the results were obtained, indicating the existence of fundamental opportunities for students to prepare individual models of learning games aimed at stimulating their activity in the learning process, increasing their motivation and involvement in the learning process. In doing so, educational games can be used to create a quality model for the individual learner; in fact, such games provide ample opportunity for the learner to interact with the computer, which can be used in the future to develop effective educational game models when developing additional teaching methods in computer science. Conclusions. The practical relevance of the results obtained in this research study and the conclusions formulated on their basis lies in the possibility of their application in the creation of additional game learning materials designed to develop the computer science competencies of students acquired during their studies in an educational institution.

A Science Teaching Method to Improve Pupils’ Attitudes toward Collaboration and Sense of Competence through Collaborative Problem Solving

A Science Teaching Method to Improve Pupils’ Attitudes toward Collaboration and Sense of Competence through Collaborative Problem Solving

Investigating the Attainment Gap in Academic Performance of Minoritised Ethnic Groups for a STEM Related Subject

This paper addresses the attainment gap in academic performance for students of Minoritised and non-minoritised ethnicity, studying Discrete Mathematics, an undergraduate university level module, whereby an investigation of the effect of an intervention in one of the assessments is undertaken and statistically analysed. The attainment gap faced by the students of the UK higher education sector is concerning and between students of minoritised ethnic background and their counterparts, there is a sizeable achievement disparity in the education system. These groups' divergent academic performance is referred to as the attainment, and socioeconomic disadvantage, cultural hurdles, and institutional bias have all acted as a setback for the students from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. However, there are obstacles to putting this strategy into practise, such as the need for suitable pedagogical techniques and assistance for students from different ethnic circumstances. Creating inclusive teaching methods in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects that consider the linguistic and cultural diversity of the student is necessary to address these hindrances. Higher educational institutions can contribute to reducing the achievement gap for minoritised ethnic groups and fostering greater equity and social mobility by encouraging the teaching and study of modules in a responsive manner. Continuous analysis and study on the discrepancies faced by the students at their institutions should be performed to reduce this gap whilst promoting diversity. Moreover, a comparison over two academic years relative to the overall academic performance of students, considering the minoritised ethnic cohort, is accomplished so as to measure the approach’s validity. The results from the performance ratio, t-test, hypothesis testing, effect size, chi-squared test, categorical variable analysis and the Cronbach alpha measure, all feed into and confirm the reliability of the study hence validating the positive impact of the intervention.

A phenomenological study on East and Southeast Asian dental educators: perceived importance, challenges, and strategies in teaching dental materials science

BackgroundEffective teaching of dental materials science is crucial for dental students to develop a comprehensive understanding of materials used in clinical practice. However, literature on educators’ views on teaching this subject is still scarce. This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of dental educators in teaching dental materials science subjects, thereby addressing potential gaps and enhancing teaching practices.MethodsThirteen dental educators from East and Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan) participated in the present study. The present study adopted a transcendental phenomenological approach. One-to-one semi-structured online interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns in the educators’ experiences.ResultsThree themes emerged from the present study. First, perceptions of the importance of dental materials science, highlighting its relevance in clinical practice, patient care, and lifelong learning. Second, the challenges faced in teaching dental materials science include limited instructional time, complex content, and insufficient resources. Third, specific strategies, such as applying interactive teaching methods, integrating clinical scenarios, and promoting critical thinking skills have been suggested to enhance teaching and learning.ConclusionUnderstanding dental educators’ experiences can improve dental materials science education, curriculum development, teaching methods, and faculty training programmes, ultimately enhancing the knowledge and skills of dental students in this field.

Future of the Lebanese Middle School Science Teaching Methods: The Importance of Teacher’s Shifting from Passive Learning to More Active Learning in Science Classes

This study evaluated the importance of integrating active learning techniques in to Lebanese middle school science classes. It examined the effect of this modification on students' academic performance and social development .The researcher collected data by using mixed method approach referred to as sequential explanatory design where the research collected both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data was collected by distributing questionnaire developed based on 5 point Likert- scale to a non-probability convenience sample (N=50) of science teachers and the qualitative data was collected by performing an online interview with four middle school science teachers. The researcher used Statistical Package for the social sciences program (SPSS) to analyze quantitative data and to answer the studied hypothesis and problematic by using three tests (a) one sample T-test, (b) one way Manova test, and (c) correlation test. The interview data was analyzed qualitatively .The findings of this study showed that (a) there is a significant importance for teachers’ shifting from passive learning to more active learning in Lebanese middle school science classes, (b) Lebanese middle school science teachers are modifying their teaching methods in their classes to improve students' academic performance and social development, and (c) there is a significant effect of the teaching methods modification on students' academic performance and social development based on the Lebanese middle school teachers' perspective.

Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Educational Application in the Quality of Students’ Learning in the Cardiac Surgery Technology Course

Background: There are various methods for teaching content, which is the most common lecture method with the most minor retention in teaching. Innovation in basic science teaching methods is needed to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of technology. The purpose of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate an educational application (gamification) on students’ learning in the course of cardiac surgery technology. Methods: This study is applied research in this project in which we intended to make the concepts of cardiac surgery technology understandable, enjoyable, and easy for students using an educational application (gamification) method. In this study, an educational application was created and provided to the students. Finally, three areas of student perception of learning, their scientific ability, and their educational atmosphere were evaluated via the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire. Results: According to the demographic findings, out of 110 samples, 65 (59%) were female students, and the mean age of the participating students was 21.23±2. The application was compatible with the Android operating system. It consisted of three parts investigating anatomy, surgical procedure, and cardiac surgical instruments and other parts investigating search, game guide, and participants’ points. Students’ learning and learning environment were evaluated as high (good picture of learning). Regarding the learning dimension and educational atmosphere, the highest score was related to the learning dimension (45.1). Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean perception scores of male and female students. Conclusion: With the advancement of technology and industrialization of different societies, the use of new learning methods will be highly effective in educating students. According to the results of this study, students’ satisfaction with this educational application in cardiac surgery technology course indicated that this application upgrades and improves the learning of new teaching methods and motivates students to participate in the classroom. In other words, applying educational content can be fruitful.

تأثير مقرر طرق تدريس العلوم ومقرر التربية العملية على الكفاءة الذاتية للطلبة المعلمين في المرحلتين المتوسطة والثانوية

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine self-efficacy among students who took Science Teaching Methods course and Teaching Practicum course in the College of Education at Kuwait University. Method: A quasi- experimental design was used in the study. The Science Teaching Efficacy Belief scale (Form B) was administered to pre-service science teachers of middle and high school (n=81), who were enrolled in practical teaching course and those enrolled in the science teaching methods. Results: The results showed that pre-service science teachers in the practicum course had no significant change in sense of self efficacy neither on the Personal Science Teaching Efficacy (PSTE) nor the Science Teaching Outcome Expectancy (STOE) scales. However, there was a high increase in PSTE and STOE scores by students who were enrolled in science teaching methods course which indicated reaching higher sense of self-efficacy. Conclusion: The study recommends that future research should be conducted to include different individuals in different contexts in the schools. This outcome will further inform researchers of related self-efficacy issues in Kuwait.

A Practice-Based Theory of Teaching Analysis of Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Prior Knowledge of Science Instruction

ABSTRACT Science teacher education literature has emphasized the importance of prospective teachers’ prior knowledge of their K-12 experiences as a key factor influencing their professional development as future science teachers. The purpose of the study was to identify the teaching practices in prospective teachers’ prior knowledge of science instruction before their enrollment in a science teaching methods course. Constructs from the practice-based theory of teaching, reform-based science instruction, and the pedagogy of poverty framework collectively served as the conceptual lens to focus on teaching practices. Three-hundred and sixty-one prospective teachers took part in this qualitative study. Visual (drawings) and written (narratives) served as the data and thematic analysis was used to identify and categorize teaching practices. The predominant teaching practices were framed by the pedagogy of poverty (68.4%) (giving information and directions). Other teaching practices were framed by a combination of teaching practices (pedagogy of poverty and core science teaching practices) (28.0%) (giving information and directions, engaging students in investigations, and facilitating classroom discourse), and teaching practices that reflected only core science teaching practices (8.0%) (engaging students in investigations and facilitating classroom discourse). Prospective teachers in this study had identified and accepted as knowledge-for-practice from their K-12 experiences a set of limited teaching practices. The findings indicated that prospective teachers’ prior knowledge of science instruction reflected the inclusion and an over reliance on specific teaching practices that contradicted or limited current reforms in science education and imply that they are yet to experience science instruction as stipulated by the current reforms.