Secondary Science Teachers Research Articles

Identifying secondary science teachers’ adoption styles of technology-based assessments and examining the patterns of teachers’ beliefs, attitudes, and intention: A latent class analysis approach

Identifying secondary science teachers’ adoption styles of technology-based assessments and examining the patterns of teachers’ beliefs, attitudes, and intention: A latent class analysis approach

Inquiry-based astronomy in West Java secondary schools

This study investigates the presence and utilisation of inquiry-based activities in astronomy education within secondary science and physics classrooms. Employing document analysis, surveys, classroom observations, and interviews, the study comprehensively assesses the nature of inquiry activities, teachers’ experiences, integration of astronomy into curriculum, resources availability and science teachers’ perceived proficiency in astronomical observation skills. Findings from 50 secondary science and senior high physics teachers reveal coverage of the Solar System and Earth–Moon–Sun motion in secondary science, and integration of astronomy concepts like universal gravitation and Kepler’s laws into physics classrooms. However, inquiry-based astronomy teaching is limited, with only 10% of educators feeling proficient in telescope use and low adoption of virtual laboratories and simulations. The study underscores the necessity for adaptive inquiry-based activities in astronomy education to enhance science and physics classrooms, proposing direct and indirect celestial object observation, virtual inquiries, and hands-on simulations to bridge skill gaps and resource utilisation shortcomings, thus enriching astronomy education at the secondary level.

"Connecting the Dots” for Recruiting Secondary Science Teachers in Urban Schools: An Exploration of Career Choice for Undergraduate Science Majors

Despite critical shortages of secondary science teachers in urban schools, relatively little research has focused on the recruitment of undergraduate science majors to teach in urban contexts. This study utilized a retrospective narrative inquiry methodology to explore the career pathways of 14 undergraduate science majors into secondary science teaching. The primary data source was interviews that were conducted at the beginning of an urban teacher education program. Interviews were analyzed through the framework of social cognitive career theory (SCCT) to identify the characteristics, beliefs, and experiences that featured prominently in their narrativizations of their career pathway into urban science education. Findings highlight a non-linear process of career choice characterized by three themes: rejecting traditional science careers, reevaluating their interests and skills for teaching, and prioritizing socially oriented career goals. Implications for enhancing the recruitment of undergraduate science majors into urban science teaching include transforming undergraduate science majors to value teaching careers and taking a more community-based approach to science teacher recruitment.

Enhancement of Secondary Science Teacher’s Professional Knowledge in Learning Pedagogical Content Knowledge through Involving in Professional Learning Community

The qualitative research study explored Bangladeshi secondary science teacher’s experiences working in a professional learning community (PLC) in terms of enhancing professional knowledge in learning pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The research questions that guided this study are: (1) What are the learning experiences of the secondary science teachers regarding their involvement in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) as a means of professional learning for enhancing their Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK)? (2) How do Secondary Science teachers apply their learning from Professional Learning Communities (PLC) to their teaching plans and practices through the Content Representation (CoRe) framework? (3) How do secondary science teachers use the knowledge gained from participation in a professional learning community (PLC) to design and implement effective teaching strategies in their classrooms? The study is based on a constructivist approach to learning, which views knowledge construction as a socially mediated process. Therefore, teachers’ experiences were collected as qualitative data through analyzing teachers’ lesson plans and self-reflective journals. As a result, the findings showed teacher’s enhanced professional knowledge working in a PLC in sizing up the topic, identifying the importance of the topic, exploring self-content knowledge relevant to the topic, knowing what learners might think, identifying contextual factors choosing the topic and examples, selecting more appropriate teaching-learning and assessment strategies. The findings of this study are expected to provide insights into how PLCs can be utilized to enhance secondary science teacher’s PCK knowledge. This study is significant as it contributes to the literature on professional development for science teachers and offers practical recommendations for improving science teacher’s professional knowledge in learning PCK. Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research, 49 (1), 155-174

Design and implementation of a STEAM Teaching/Learning sequence by Project-Based Learning for the training of future secondary school teachers

In high school teacher education, although work on didactic units for teaching the curriculum of science disciplines is common, they rarely include multidisciplinary STEAM viewpoint. For this article we are using the definition of STEAM that says it is a teaching method that integrates content, skills and beliefs from at least two disciplines that form the acronym and that focuses on real world contexts In this project, we show the design and implementation of a teaching/learning sequence (TLS) to show the STEAM methodology in High School with a project-based learning approach, with students of the Master’s Degree in Secondary Science Teacher Training. The TLS designed integrates content and skills from various STEAM disciplines, with physics and biology being the main ones and adding a Project-Based Learning (PrBL) teaching approach through the search for the best way to protect oneself from the sun. In this case, the Master’s degree students had two roles: on the one hand, they acted like secondary education students and, on the other hand, like future teachers. Thus, we evaluated the sequence in three different ways: content acquisition, scientific skills and attitudes towards STEAM education. The results indicated a positive impact in all the aspects analysed.

Qualitative research in science education: A literature review of current publications

This study analyzed articles from the last four years regarding how science education research is framed and discussed as qualitative research. The research question that guided this study was: <i>To what extent do qualitative secondary science teaching research publications reflect high-quality practices found in mainstream methodological texts? </i>The researchers utilized a systematic literature review methodology by (1) creating search terms based on the research question; (2) choosing relevant databases in which to search; (3) conducting the search and gathering articles; and (4) selecting articles based on inclusion criteria. The researchers chose “secondary education” and “science teaching” as search terms relevant to this study. Articles included in the review were peer-reviewed for credibility, available free online as full-text for accessibility, and available in English, which is the authors’ first language. The researchers conducted three levels of screening on the full collection of articles–title, abstract, then methods, to efficiently narrow the large sample of qualitative science education research articles to a manageable and characteristic selection. The findings include that few articles addressed science teaching and learning with deep qualitative engagement. Some articles claimed to use specific qualitative methodologies without adequately expressing aspects of those methodologies, which lend support to the credibility, transferability, dependability, or confirmability of the articles such as the researchers’ subjectivity or member-checking. Those studies that did are indeed diamonds in the ruff.

Secondary School Teachers’ Conceptions of Teaching Science Practical Work through Inquiry-Based Instruction

Contemporary science teaching pedagogy in Namibia places a strong emphasis on fostering inquiry-based instruction and practical work in secondary school science education. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to move beyond traditional, rote-based methods towards more learner-centred approaches that encourage active inquiry and critical thinking. Teachers are encouraged to design lessons that promote inquiry, where learners actively investigate scientific phenomena, ask questions, and develop solutions through hands-on experimentation. Science practical work, which involves conducting experiments and investigations, is considered a cornerstone of this approach as it provides learners with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge, develop laboratory skills, and gain a profounder understanding of scientific concepts. This sequential explanatory mixed methods study explored Namibian secondary school teachers’ conceptions of teaching science practical work through inquiry-based instruction to provide a comprehensive understanding of teachers’ perspectives and practices. Findings from this study revealed that many teachers held traditional views of science practical work, emphasizing cookbook-style experiments and memorisation. These teachers often faced challenges in implementing inquiry-based instruction due to a lack of training and resources to facilitate science practical work. However, a subset of teachers who embraced inquiry-based methods reported increased learner engagement, critical thinking, and in-depth understanding of scientific concepts. Additionally, the findings underscored the importance of aligning teacher conceptions with contemporary pedagogical approaches for effective secondary science education in Namibia. The study thus, highlighted the need for professional development and support to help more teachers transition to inquiry-based instruction and improve science education in Namibian secondary schools.

Effects of a Follow-up PD with Distance-based Peer Instructional Coaching on Secondary Science Teachers’ Inquiry-based Teaching Practices in Rural Schools

ABSTRACT Research has highlighted the significant decline in teachers’ implementation of newly acquired teaching practices following professional development (PD), primarily attributed to the absence of follow-up support. Even science teachers who have participated in intensive PD programs often encounter challenges in integrating new teaching practices into their classrooms. This study investigated the impact of a follow-up PD (PD 2) on 16 rural middle and high school science teachers and their students’ outcomes after their participation in an intensive PD the previous year (PD1). The findings showed that the teachers’ inquiry knowledge and confidence levels in teaching science remained stable or slightly improved up until the end of year 2, comparable to the levels measured at the end of year 1. Moreover, teachers who initially showed lower levels of knowledge and confidence were more likely to revert to their initial status after reaching a certain level during PD1. Regarding student outcomes, the posttest effect sizes for middle school students were substantial and statistically significant in both year 1 and year 2, compared to their pretest scores. While the effect sizes for high school students in year 1 were small, they became larger and significant in year 2. The findings suggest the practical advantages of implementing follow-up PD to provide continued support for teachers’ implementation in subsequent years. Additionally, this study presents a sustainable and cost-effective approach to deliver follow-up support to teachers, namely through a short-term PD accompanied by distance-based peer instructional coaching.

Has Secondary Science Program Become an Elite Urban Education Product in the Former Colonized Nation?

A distinct education has become a heretical right for urban elites despite educational equality is an official agenda. This has not only widened the gaps between urban and rural counterparts but also developed discriminations amongst different classes of student within the urban schools. To validate this tenet, the facilities offered by various schools were compared. Yet, whether a particular secondary education program has become an exclusive right essentially for urban elites to deprive others; is not widely explored—an investigation of this study. Educational background and some selective socioeconomic status (SES) of 925,617 students; completed their secondary school certificate from 3,315 schools were collected to make comparison through descriptive analysis of secondary data. Findings note that secondary science education has become a popular program amongst the urban elites. Subsequently, they also perform well in the public examination. Furthermore, discussions suggest that science being an international education demands both formal and informal higher budgets. Hence, a greater success of urban elites in secondary science provision helps them to succeed successively in procuring higher education and thereby in job-market. Thus, a policy intervention is required to ensure an effective implementation of educational equity concept.

Teaching for sustainable development in vocational education

ABSTRACT The pursuit of sustainable development is a necessity for life on Earth and the future of humanity. Education is important in this endeavour; therefore, creating knowledge about teachers’ teaching for sustainable development is essential. This study aimed to investigate how Swedish upper secondary science teachers adjust their teaching of the environmental dimension in sustainable development to the different vocational education programmes their students attend. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 15 in-service science teachers and analysed by thematic coding. The result showed that most teachers (but not all) adjusted their teaching to the students’ vocational educational programme; however, they did it to different extents and in different ways. The result presents teachers’ descriptions of and arguments for adjusting their teaching linked to the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) framework. The PCK framework is used as a theoretical lens in this study. Further research is needed to investigate how science teachers’ adjustments to students’ vocational education affect the students’ knowledge of the environmental dimension in sustainable development and how that affects actions in their future professional life.

Life Story Analysis of the Longer-term Effects of Kenya’s Strengthening of the Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education Project on the Attitudinal and Behavioural Changes of Former Secondary Students

The aims of this study were to (a) qualitatively determine former students’ perceptions of environment, personal and behaviour factor changes that were due to the teachers involved in the Strengthening of Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education (SMASSE) project in Kenya and (b) reveal the long-term influence of these qualitative changes on their lives. The study also clarified the significance of using life story analysis to this end. The theoretical framework we utilised is social learning theory. Data collected from interviews were examined using Steps for Coding and Theorisation (SCAT) analysis, as well as NVivo, to identify respondents’ experiences as former SMASSE students. First, SCAT analysis revealed that participants’ lives were influenced in the long term owing to changes in: (a) environmental factors, such as interaction with SMASSE teachers and collaboration with other students; (b) personal factors, such as changes in cognitive and affective aspects; (c) behavioural factors, such as learning methods. Second, by using NVivo to integrate all the stories, we showed that former students’ perceptions of the environmental, personal and behaviour changes that were due to the teachers involved the SMASSE project were mutually interrelated. The analysis has also identified long-term effects on various aspects of human resource development: post-graduation career development, employment opportunities, and mindset. Finally, the results of this study emphasise the robustness of qualitative research in identifying the qualitative changes in the participants in a multi-dimensional manner for this international project.

Science Teachers’ Initial Use of NGSS Science Practices in Diverse Classrooms

ABSTRACT In the landscape of U.S. education, the widespread adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) offers a unique vantage point for researchers to better understand teacher-, school- and classroom-level factors that advance reform initiatives in science classrooms. Addressing a gap in current knowledge, our study probes how secondary science teachers implement one dimension of NGSS-the science practices (SPs). Our data collection encompasses teacher interviews and meticulous observations of science lessons, coded for NGSS science practices (SPs) and inquiry-based teaching. Embracing a methodologically rich approach, our study employs both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Quantitatively, we analyzed 801 weeks of lessons taught by 56 secondary science teachers and found patterns in SP use. Selected high-quality science lessons were then spotlighted, providing examples of the quantitative findings, showcasing teachers use of SPs and inquiry-based teaching strategies. Through our analysis, we found that physical science subjects and participants from the Master of Arts in Science Teaching program demonstrated a higher average use of SPs compared to their life science and undergraduate program counterparts. When analyzing the use of specific SPs, we found that analyzing and interpreting data (SP4) and mathematical and computational thinking (SP5) emerged as noteworthy. This study’s findings carry implications for science teacher education and professional development programs, urging efforts to augment both the quantity of rigor of SP use in the secondary science classroom. Our research contributes insights that can inform strategies for the enhancement of science education alignment with the objectives set forth by NGSS

Challenges and supports for secondary science and mathematics teacher retention

AbstractMore research related to effective ways to support and retain teachers in the teaching profession is necessary as the need for science and mathematics teachers continues to grow. Understanding how teachers perceive challenges and experience support early in their career can contribute to building environments which foster teacher retention. This mixed‐method study explored the influences on the self‐efficacy and career satisfaction of a group of 21 early‐career (2–6 years of classroom experience) secondary science and mathematics teachers who participated in a traditional university preparation program and scholarship program to prepare them for teaching in high‐need school districts. Using data from an efficacy survey and semistructured interviews, this study measured changes in teacher efficacy and described teacher leadership experiences, perceived teaching challenges, and valued supports. Results found no change in teachers' self‐efficacy scores although mean outcome expectancy scores decreased. Teachers' identification as a teacher leader was correlated with science or mathematics teaching self‐efficacy. Qualitative coding of the interviews revealed ways in which assessments, workload, school structures and polices, administration, students, and teacher community either contributed to teachers reported difficulties or supported them as early‐career teachers. The discussion offers suggestions for ways to increase secondary science and mathematics teachers' job satisfaction.

Administrative Strategies to Develop Innovators Among Secondary Science Teachers at Saint Gabriel's Foundation, Thailand

The purposes of the research Administrative Strategies to Develop Innovators Among Secondary Science Teachers at Saint Gabriel's Foundation, Thailand were to 1) create administrative strategies, 2) validate suitability and feasibility of administrative strategies to develop innovators among secondary science teachers at Saint Gabriel’s Foundation, Thailand. In this research, a mixed method was applied. The data has been gathered from 11 secondary school directors, 110 staff at the management level and 149 secondary science teachers at Saint Gabriel's Foundation, Thailand in the academic year 2020; there were 270 personnel in total. The tools used to collect the data were questionnaires, interview forms, and focus group forms. The quantitative data was analyzed by using percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation, whereas content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The results of administrative strategies to develop innovators among secondary science teachers at Saint Gabriel’s Foundation, Thailand consisted of vision, missions, goals, share values and 4 master strategies, 13 minor strategies, 28 measures, and 24 indicators. The master strategies were Strategies 1: Encourage and enhance science teachers to be innovation teachers containing 4 minor strategies, 10 measures, and 10 indicators, Strategies 2: Improve quality of science learning management to create innovation consisting of 3 minor strategies, 6 measures, and 4 indicators, Strategy 3: Create cooperative network for creative innovations containing 3 minor strategies, 7 measures, and 5 indicators, and Strategy 4: Effective management of innovative teachers comprising 3 minor strategies, 5 measures, and 5 indicators. Furthermore, the overview result of accuracy and feasibility validation of administrative strategies to develop innovators among secondary science teachers at Saint Gabriel’s Foundation, Thailand was in high average.

Inquiry skills teaching and its relationship with UAE secondary school students’ critical thinking: Systematic review of science teachers’ perspectives

Undoubtedly, due to continuous changes in time, environment, and demand, teaching techniques in science education should be constantly explored, reflected upon, and improved. This paper explores the current evidence related to secondary science teachers’ perspectives about teaching inquiry skills in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). After a systematic Boolean search in online databases, a research synthesis was conducted on the perspectives of secondary science teachers regarding inquiry and critical thinking of students in the context of UAE. Eight quantitative and qualitative studies were analyzed, and results showed that science teachers’ perspectives on teaching inquiry skills varied across studies. Additionally, some factors should be addressed when teaching critical thinking including socio-psycho factors (e.g., attitudes towards learning science, teacher competence, professional development, student characteristics, teaching and learning practices, and classroom management). This study recommends that further attention should be paid to teaching theories and approaches such as active learning strategy, sociocultural theory, constructivism theory, and affective filter hypothesis. These results are important since they identify the need of reevaluation of inquiry-based teaching and learning of science (e.g., critical thinking skill as a key one) in UAE secondary schools.

Integration of Engineering Practices into Secondary Science Education: Teacher Experiences, Emotions, and Appraisals

STEM education is present in most recent curriculum reforms around the world. One of the main novelties of this educational movement is the integration of engineering practices into science education. In the Spanish educational context, this implies an important challenge for science teachers. So, this study analyzes whether secondary science teachers are sufficiently prepared for this purpose, as well as to find out their experiences, emotions, and appraisals in this regard. To this end, a questionnaire was designed and administered to 328 secondary science teachers as a representative sample of science teachers in Spain with a confidence level of just over 93%. The reliability of the questionnaire was evidenced by the high degree of internal consistency of the data (α = 0.88). And its validity was determined by means of an exploratory factor analysis. The results reveal that secondary science teachers, in general, have low levels of pedagogical preparation and self-efficacy to integrate engineering practices into science classes, as well as a predominant emotion of insecurity about it. There is also a strong preference among teachers for this to be done in technology subjects. It is concluded that the effective integration of engineering practices into science education is currently a complex challenge that requires ad hoc teacher training plans.

Teachers’ use and adaptation of a model-based climate curriculum: a three-year longitudinal study

Foregrounding climate education in formal science learning environments provides students with opportunities to develop critical climate-related knowledge and skills. However, research has shown many challenges to teaching and learning about Earth’s climate and global climate change (GCC). This longitudinal study aims to establish how secondary science teachers, over time, implement model-based climate curricula in support of students’ climate and GCC education by utilizing EzGCM. The model (EzGCM) is a data-driven, computer-based climate modeling tool use to explore global climate data. Multiple sources of data collection, including teacher interviews, classroom observations, and daily reflections, were employed to address the research question: “How did two teachers’ implementation strategies evolve over the three-year study while utilizing a model-based, climate-focused curriculum?” This study provides insight into how and why these resources [model-based climate education curricula] are utilized in science learning environments, thereby informing ongoing efforts to enhance climate education and, in doing so, preparing the next generation of climate-literate adults prepared to confront this most critical global challenge of our age. The findings showed while both teachers engaged in increasingly model-centric instructional practices, these changes were modest. Furthermore, both teacher’s observed classroom practices were less model-centric than the designed curriculum. Ultimately emphasizing the transition from existing practices to improved ones, rather than seeking the perfect approach, the study offers practical insights that can honestly assist secondary educators in real-world settings by highlighting state of climate education in secondary science classrooms.

Perceived Quality of In-Service Training and Teacher Commitment in Public Secondary Schools in Nyahururu Sub-County, Kenya

Teachers are essential to a country’s education system, necessitating robust pedagogical skills to perform effectively. In Kenya, the government, through Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), has implemented in-service training programs like Strengthening of Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education (SMASSE) to improve teachers’ professional competencies. Despite these initiatives, concerns persist about their impact, particularly in Nyahururu Sub-county. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the perceived quality of these in-service training programs and teacher commitment in public secondary schools in Nyahururu. The study examined two key aspects: the teachers’ perceptions of the training quality and how this perception affects their commitment to teaching and promoting student welfare. The research was guided by Transformative Learning Theory and Self-Efficacy Theory. Using an ex-post facto design, data were collected through a questionnaire from 214 out of 472 teachers through stratified sampling technique, with the instrument showing a high reliability coefficient (r=0.838). The analysis used quantitative method, including Pearson’s correlation coefficient for hypothesis testing at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed a high to strong positive relationship between teachers’ perceptions of training quality and their commitment to teaching and learning (r=0.658). This indicates that higher ratings of training quality are associated with increased dedication to teaching. Additionally, there was a strong positive relationship between perceived training quality and teachers’ commitment to student welfare (r=0.725), suggesting that better training leads to greater commitment to student support. The study’s insights suggest that improving the quality of in-service teacher training can enhance teacher commitment, benefiting Kenya’s secondary education sector by fostering more engaged and effective educators.

Teaching about the nature of science: A case study of two secondary science teachers

Resumo Neste artigo, verificam-se os fatores que orientam o ensino sobre a Natureza da Ciência (NdC) de dois professores da área de Ciências da Natureza do Ensino Médio participantes de um curso de formação continuada, ocorrido online, de modo a inferir o que pode contribuir ou dificultar a inserção de tais aspectos em sala de aula. Realizou-se um estudo de caso pautado na observação das aulas presenciais desses professores, durante a pandemia da COVID-19. As transcrições das aulas foram analisadas por meio da lente do Conhecimento Pedagógico do Conteúdo, de modo a identificar os conhecimentos priorizados, as práticas envolvidas e os valores que guiam a prática pedagógica desses professores. Verificou-se que o conhecimento de aspectos da NdC é essencial para práticas que articulem o currículo com tais aspectos e que os valores e as crenças do professor sobre o ensino impactam em suas escolhas em sala de aula.

One Health education for criticality on vaccination in teacher training.

Vaccines are the basis of health of our communities since they prevent severe infectious diseases. However vaccination rates continue to decrease due to the spread of misinformation about their side effects, which enhances vaccine hesitancy and puts at risk public health. Introducing vaccines from the One Health approach can help to develop an integral understanding of their role and to apply critical ignorance as part of criticality to avoid vaccine hesitancy and raise trust in science. This paper presents a design on vaccination for secondary-education teacher training developed toward this goal. The design presented in this paper draws from previous studies on critical thinking, on vaccine rejection, and the One Health approach on other health issues in Secondary Education. The focus of this design is engaging secondary-education pre-service teachers in the practice of critical ignorance and criticality to assess diverse pieces of information on vaccination from the One Health approach. This study discusses the design principles and the activities of an original design that aims to provide Secondary Education teachers with some tools to introduce critical ignorance and criticality for addressing misinformation on vaccines by using the One Health approach. If secondary science teachers are going to successfully confront misinformation on vaccination in their science instruction, we need to develop and test designs and approaches that prepare them for this purpose. Critical ignorance plays a central role in managing misinformation; thus, such instruction should engage future teachers in critical evaluation of information on vaccination, as well as in the application of the One Health approach to take responsible actions.