Science Education Students Research Articles

Appropriate Contextualisation of Immunology based STEM and Health teaching for undergraduate Medical Sciences Education

Abstract Clinically relevant examples are needed to support knowledge application of Immunology teaching content within undergraduate Medical Sciences Education frameworks. The appropriate contextualisation of these Immunology teaching examples is essential, particularly when presenting health related issues that are of significance and relevance to Māori and Pacific population groups living in New Zealand (NZ) and the Pacific Region. Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is an autoimmune condition that results from untreated Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection of the throat (and skin). Repeated or severe episodes of ARF that remain untreated can lead to Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) or permanent heart damage. Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Aboriginal population groups are affected disproportionately by ARF and RHD. This work involved Immunologically related ARF and RHD teaching examples were presented to 4th year undergraduate Medical Science Education students that were contextualized, and relevant to current health priorities for Māori and Pacific population groups. Sound understanding was demonstrated by students participating in these classes. Strong interest in Immunologically related ARF/RHD research and teaching examples with positive feedback expressed by students within written and verbal teaching feedback platforms. A subset of students were motivated to undertake research placements to contribute to the NZ based ARF and RHD related Penicillin reformulation work. Overall, the contextualisation of the Immunologically related ARF/RHD research and teaching examples supported knowledge application and helped raise awareness of health issues for Māori and Pacific population groups living in NZ and the Pacific Region.

An Empirical Study on the Science Education Students' Learning Attitude on Science

In China, the five most well-known normal universities have set a special curriculum for a long time, which combines general education and teaching training for education students. In this study, we used the Colorado Learning Attitude about Science Survey (CLASS) to study the learning attitudes on science changes of the education students in the curriculum structure from 8 CLASS dimensions. The results show that: (a) the learning attitudes on science of education students increase with their seniority; (b) in the curriculum structure, the general education has a little effect on improving the learning attitudes on science of the education students, and they gain a lot after teaching training; (c) compared to masters of education, the undergraduates education needs to strengthen in some aspects.

Does reading medium affect processing and integration of textual and pictorial information? A multimedia eye-tracking study

This study investigated effects of reading medium (print vs. digital) on integrative processing and integrated understanding of an illustrated text on human sexuality, as well as whether reading medium indirectly affected integrated understanding via integrative processing. Participants were 100 undergraduate and graduate students in educational sciences. Integrative processing was indicated by participants’ gaze transitions between complementary textual and pictorial parts of the document during reading, and integrated understanding was indicated by participants’ integration of textual and pictorial information in post-reading written responses. Results showed that participants who read the illustrated text on paper displayed more integrative processing during reading than did participants who read exactly the same text on a computer. In turn, integrative processing positively affected comprehension performance, resulting in a mediated effect of reading medium on comprehension via integrative processing. There was no main effect of reading medium on integrated understanding, however. Also, prompting participants to pay attention to both text and illustration as well as their relationship did not have any main effects on integrative processing or integrated understanding; nor were there any interaction effects of reading medium with instructional prompt on integrative processing or integrated understanding. These results are discussed in terms of the insights they offer into reading medium effects on processing and comprehension, as well as in terms of the directions they suggest for future research in this area.

Improve learning with hands-on classroom activities: science instruction for students with visual impairments

ABSTRACT The preponderance of visually oriented and visually complex concepts and information in science classrooms poses significant challenges to learning among students with visual impairment (VI). It is acknowledged that the good quality of practical work promotes the engagement and interest and curiosity of students as well as developing a range of skills, science knowledge, and conceptual understanding. Specifically, this study examined the contribution of activities and materials developed for teaching science to students with VI which are found difficult to comprehend even by the sighted students. The research was carried out in three steps. In the first step, the exploratory case study was used in order to identify the needs of the students. In the second step, instructional materials and activities were designed to meet the needs of students. In the last step, the evaluative case study was used to examine the effectiveness of the designed activities and activity materials. In conclusion as students with VI are easily distracted by unnecessary details, it is equally essential to design materials and activities to be as simple as possible, as well as focusing on only few core ideas in each practical work, rather than covering several ideas through a single activity.

Unemployment anxiety of last year college students

The negative effects of anxiety on people, such as lack of self-confidence, deterioration of sleep order and social relations skills, feeling of failure, have been stated in many scientific studies. Youth unemployment is very high in the World and Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the anxiety levels of the last year university students in sports science education. The research was carried out using quantitative research method. A total of 226 students from the School of Physical Education and Sports (fourth grade) of Kastamonu University participated in the study. In the research, Unemployment Anxiety Scale consisting of 5 sub-dimensions and 21 items was used as a measurement tool. In addition, it was observed that there was no statistical difference between men and women, but according to the variable of education department, it was determined that students of the sports management department have higher levels of unemployment anxiety.
 Keywords: Anxiety, college, student, unemployment, job, future-anxiety.

The Impact of Competitive/Comparative Learning Strategy for Learning Scout Camping Skill for Students of Physical Education and Sports Sciences

The Impact of Competitive/Comparative Learning Strategy for Learning Scout Camping Skill for Students of Physical Education and Sports Sciences

A brief diversity training: Raising awareness of ingroup privilege to improve attitudes towards disadvantaged outgroups.

Diversity training is a popular strategy to reduce prejudice within educational settings. However, in practice, diversity training rarely relies on social-psychological theory, and research on its effectiveness in real-world settings is scarce. Previous research regarding diversity training has particularly neglected an important theoretical concept: privilege as the counterpart of discrimination. Therefore, we developed a diversity training aiming to increase awareness of ingroup privilege, using an intersectional approach to teach participants the complex interaction between privilege and oppression. We randomly allocated students of educational science (N= 112) to a repeated-measures (pre-test, post-test, follow-up) control-group design. Compared with the control group, training participants showed a significant increase in awareness of ingroup privilege 1 week after the training, whereas there was no change in awareness of discrimination. Furthermore, increased awareness of ingroup privilege 1 week after the training mediated improved outgroup attitudes (i.e., more positive outgroup feelings towards immigrants and refugees, reduced subtle prejudice towards immigrants and reduced homonegativity) 2 weeks after the training.

Bienestar social en la etapa universitaria según factores sociodemográficos en estudiantes de educación

El propósito de este estudio fue analizar el bienestar social percibido de estudiantes universitarios de Ciencias de la Educación en función de factores de tipo sociodemográfico. Se realizó un estudio no experimental, ex post facto, de carácter descriptivo mediante una medición única. La muestra estuvo constituida por 313 estudiantes universitarios de diversos grados de Educación. Los resultados indican que las mujeres muestran mayores niveles de contribución y coherencia social, mientras que los estudiantes (hombres y mujeres) que acceden a la universidad mediante formación profesional u otra vía se perciben con mayor bienestar social. Se demuestra que la integración social es mayor en las zonas más urbanizadas y que aquellos universitarios que conviven con otros presentan más aceptación social. Asimismo, vivir en zonas rurales se asoció a una mayor actualización y coherencia social por la mayor facilidad de entender la dinámica social. La edad correlacionó negativamente con la coherencia social.

A review of research on science instruction for students with autism spectrum disorder

AbstractUnderstanding science concepts and phenomena is important for an increasingly complex global society. For students with disabilities, there continue to be huge achievement disparities in science achievement when compared to their peers without disabilities. This includes students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study examines and analyzes published research on science and science‐related achievement for students with ASD. The authors reviewed characteristics of the research related to science achievement for students with ASD from 2000 through 2018 and analyzed included data to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions included in the studies. Implications for research and teaching are discussed.

Attitudes towards Persons with Disabilities by Educational Science Students: Importance of Contact, Its Frequency and the Type of Disability

ABSTRACT According to Contact Theory, direct experience between people with and without disabilities seems to be the basis for building and changing beliefs and, therefore, behaviours. The present study enquires into Educational Science university students’ attitudes towards people with disabilities analysing the differences that occur on the basis of the frequency of contact (almost permanent, habitual, frequent or sporadic), and the type of disability (motor, hearing, visual, intellectual or multiple) of the person with whom the contact is maintained. The participants were 900 students of the Faculty of Education of the University of Granada who completed the Scale of Attitudes towards people with disabilities. The analysis carried out shows significant differences depending on the contact with people with disabilities in different factors of the scale. In addition, there are more favourable attitudes in students who maintain sporadic contact, and also those in those with contact with people with sensory disabilities.

Hidden Figures: How Pecuniary Influences Help Shape STEM Experiences for Black Students in Grades K-12

The demand for increasing participation of grades K-12 students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has steadily increased over time. However, the extent to which black students in K-12 gain equitable access toward a quality STEM education and eventual STEM-related careers is primarily a reflection of pecuniary influences, including socioeconomic status (SES) and inequitable educational funding. To this point, the National Science and Technology Council cautioned K-12 educators of the increasing shortage of historically marginalized students, such as black students, in STEM fields and the national and global repercussions for the U.S.A. Through a synthesis of reviewed literature including reviews of empirical studies that explore the dynamics of socioeconomics, race, and policies, and a discussion about what is missing from the literature, this article examines how SES and inequitable funding have slowed efforts toward increased participation of black students in STEM. The study concludes with final thoughts about what could be done to change course.

Sources of stress and scholarly identity: the case of international doctoral students of education in Finland

Although stressors and coping strategies have been examined in managing stress associated with doctoral education, stress continues to have a permeating and pernicious effect on doctoral students’ experience of their training and, by extension, their future participation in the academic community. International doctoral students have to not only effectively cope with tensions during their training and their socialization in their discipline but also address the values and expectations of higher education institutions in a foreign country. Considering the increase of international doctoral students in Finland, this study focuses on perceived sources of stress in their doctoral training and how their scholarly identity is involved when responding to them. The study draws on thematically analyzed interviews with eleven international doctoral students of educational sciences. The participants, one man and ten women, came from nine countries and conducted research in six Finnish universities. The principal sources of stress identified were intrapersonal regulation, challenges pertaining to doing research, funding and career prospects, and lack of a supportive network. Despite the negative presence of stress, most participants saw stress as a motivating element. However, in order for stress to become a positive and motivational force, participants had to mediate its presence and effects by means of personal resources, ascribing meaning and purpose to their research, and positioning themselves within their academic and social environment. The study argues for stress as a catalyst for scholarly identity negotiation and professional development when perceived positively.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Science Students/Researcher on Status of Usage of Animals, 3R’s Strategy and their Alternatives for Pharmacological Studies: An Exploratory Study

Introduction: The number of students in health science education is increasing day by day due to mushrooming of the private institutes. Hence, there is an increase in number of animals that have been used for animal experimentation irrespective of any known significance. Aim: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of health science students/researchers on status of usage of animals, 3R’s strategy (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement) and their alternatives for pharmacological studies. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional paper-based survey that was conducted between June 2019 to September 2019 using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the students. The study was conducted at the Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot and ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India. The questionnaire consisted of three domains: Socio-demographic and professional characteristics, Knowledge (10 questions), attitude and practice of participants (9 questions). Out of 440 questionnaires distributed to the participants, 310 filled the survey (response rate was 70.5%) and were included in the study. The study participants comprised of MBBS interns, Junior residents/MD students, B pharmacy students, M pharmacy students and the PhD scholars. Results: Majority of the students belonged to the age group of 19-23 years. It was observed that 79.6% (n=247) students didn’t know about the 3Rs (i.e., Reduction, Refinement, Replacement) Strategy. A 39.6% (n=123) respondents knew about the various alternatives to animal experimentation. Majority of the students 90.9% (n=282) believed that animal experiments are useful for medical research and human benefit. Conclusion: There was an almost complete lack of knowledge among participants regarding alternative animal models and 3R’s strategy. Therefore, there is a need to incorporate education intervention about alternative animal use in their curriculum.

Experiential training with Lego® for students of Primary Educational Sciences

This paper presents the assumptions and the outcomes of perceived efficacy of a workshop experience carried out with LEGO®. It involved 25 university students of Primary Education, during their internship training course. Workshop formativo esperienziale con il Lego® per studenti e studentesse di Scienze della Formazione Primaria. Questo articolo presenta gli assunti e gli esiti di efficacia formativa percepita riguardanti un’esperienza di workshop con i LEGO® svolta con 25 studenti di Scienze della Formazione Primaria, durante il loro percorso di tirocinio indiretto.

Learning and language: towards a reconceptualization of their mutual interdependences in a multilingual science class

ABSTRACT Education for multilingual Physics students in South Africa still has a monolingual bias despite such pedagogy being repeatedly identified as the key factor in students’ academic underachievement in the subject. The paper reports on the pivotal role language plays in the comprehension and subsequent academic performance of students in science education. A mixed-methods approach was used to generate responses from a sample of 40 eleventh-grade students on the role of language in the learning and teaching of Physics in a multilingual South African high school. Data was collected from pre- and post-tests as well as interview responses. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group using Research Randomizer and those in the experimental group were given intervention in the form of lessons and learning materials in their mother tongue. A paired t-test disclosed a statistically significant difference in the academic performance of the two research groups in the post-test. The present research findings are in line with previous research which affirms that the use of students’ mother tongue promotes a deeper understanding of Physics concepts resulting in improved academic performance.

Towards comeniology as a science – the scientific and didactical workshop; research methodology

The article depicts John Amos Comenius’ selected ideas and their reference to the contemporary times. It is mainly based on his two major works: Great Didactics and Pampaedia, my own research papers and other available ones, as well as on some research conducted by education science students for their MA theses concerning John Amos Comenius’ teacher in reference to the modern teacher2. It focuses on Comenius’ idea of permanent education, which refers to contemporary education3. Nowadays permanent education is a key educational chal-lenge in Poland, Europe and all over the world. The article is an attempt to define comeniology as an emerging scientific discipline and specify the areas and ranges of comeniological research, mentioning its authors and describing their output published in “Siedlce Comeniological Re-search Bulletin. pedagogy series”. I prove the evolutional character of comeniological research. The article also mentions my education science students’ interest in Comenius and their activity including the research conducted for their MA theses about Comenius, presentations and written texts intended to be published in “Siedlce Comeniological Research Bulletin, pedagogy se-ries”.

A vision for the next phase of JRST

A vision for the next phase of JRST

Proceedings of the Symposium on International Science and Engineering Education: An Overview

Proceedings of the Symposium on International Science and Engineering Education: An Overview

Appraisal of Attitudes and Utilizations of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Among Students in Nigerian Universities

The study examined the attitude and utilization of information and communication technology among university students. The study adopted descriptive – survey as its design, and a population of one thousand three hundred and seventy seven (1377) students were used for the study out of which three hundred and two (302) were purposively sampled from the Department of Science and Vocational Education of the Faculty of Education and Extension Services, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Two research instruments were used Students’ attitude towards Information and Communication Technology (SAICT) and Information and Communication Technology utilization (ICTU). The instruments were pilot tested using Cronbach alpha and reliability index of 0.93 and 0.77 were obtained. The research found that students have positive attitude towards ICT, it was also found that students utilize ICT for academic purpose, and that students attitude is related to utilization. The study recommends that Science education students should be encouraged by the university to sustain their positive attitude towards ICT by ensuring that the students have easy access to the facilities at every point in time.

Higher-order thinking skills based on Marzano taxonomy in basic biology I course

This research was aimed at profiling student’s thinking skills in dealing with Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions based on Marzano taxonomy by referring to 13 indicators. This pre-experimental research employed pretest-posttest design. The indicators included were comparison, classification, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, error analysis, construction, analysis perspective, abstraction, decision making, investigation, problem solving, inquiry experiment, and innovation finding. The instrument used was a 13-essay question (r-Pearson= 0.79 and Cronbach alpha = 0.68). The data gained from 98 students of Natural Science Education was then analyzed using paired t-test. The results showed the significant different between pre-test and posttest (sig. <0.01). As many as four HOTS indicators (i.e. deductive reasoning, error analysis, construction, and abstraction) were categorized as low level. Meanwhile, the eighth HOTS indicators were categorized as moderate level, namely: comparison, inductive reasoning, analysis perspective, decision making, investigation, solving problem, inquiry experiment, and innovative finding. In addition, the classification indicator was considered in high level in the end of the course. It can be concluded that, in general, students’ HOTS are still in moderate level. Thus, the proper strategies should be designed to improve this condition into the optimal level.