Science Education Theory Research Articles

In-service Physics Teachers in the Light of Principles and Tenets of Human Learning: Introduction to Sampling Frequency

Sensors specially designed for use in schools to measure values of physical quantities within physics education have already had their place in science education theory for some decades. In this contribution, the effective use of sensors is discussed in the light of principles and tenets of human learning, as proposed by colleagues researching the application of neuroscience to education. The contribution focuses on in-service physics teachers’ training, and the application of the principles and tenets is illustrated on the topic of sampling frequency, introduction to sampling frequency at the age of 12 and another example at the higher secondary school.

Analyzing the Efficacy of Pre-service Science Teachers' General and Science Teaching in a Science Education Theory Class with Enhanced Student Participation

Analyzing the Efficacy of Pre-service Science Teachers' General and Science Teaching in a Science Education Theory Class with Enhanced Student Participation

A Study on the System of Cultivating Core Literacy of Science Education Teacher Trainees Based on the Background of Deep Learning

Abstract This paper aims to develop the IDL-C system to cultivate the professional core literacy of science education teacher trainees through deep learning technology and science education theory. The authors constructed a model for assessing the effectiveness of core literacy development containing multiple algorithms to determine the system’s effectiveness. They conducted an empirical study using the example of Science Education College in S city. The values of teacher trainees in clustering as good and excellent are relatively close to each other, 0.4480 and 0.4246 respectively, and their cultivation effect is approaching from good to excellent, and the total score of the measurement = 0.685 × “Civic and Political Literacy” + 0.411 × “Foundation Literacy” + 0.091 × “Practical Literacy” + 0.111 × “Innovative Literacy”, which is most related to the cultivation of Civic and Political Literacy. The study not only enhances the core literacy of science education teacher trainees, but also promotes the modernization and reform of science education.

Critical race theory in science education: moving forward and making critical connections to race through the DAST research

Critical race theory in science education: moving forward and making critical connections to race through the DAST research

ТЕОРИЯ НАУЧНОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ С.И. ГЕССЕНА И СОВРЕМЕННАЯ КОНЦЕПЦИЯ НАУЧНОЙ ГРАМОТНОСТИ

In the literature, the concept of science education by S.I. Hessen is scarcely described, but at present it deserves close attention due to a number of reasons: the need to increase the level of scientific literacy of the Russian population; the absence of a generally accepted concept of scientific literacy in Russian pedagogy; the need to distinguish between the concepts of “natural science literacy” and “scientific literacy”; lack of a reasonable model for the formation of scientific literacy in the education process. The purpose of the study is to determine the correlation between the concepts of “natural science literacy” and “scientific literacy” and to define the significance of the practical implementation of scientific education proposed by S.I. Hessen in modern conditions. The objectives of the study are to compare the modern concept of scientific literacy with the theory of science education offered by S.I. Hessen and to determine the theoretical contribution of this theory to the problem of distinguishing between the concepts of “natural science literacy” and “scientific literacy”. I compared the main provisions of the theory of science education with the concept of scientific literacy, presented in the scientific works of Norman Lederman, professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and with the framework documents of the international PISA study. The author revealed the similarity of the main provisions of the theory of science education developed by S.I. Hessen, and modern pragmatic concepts of scientific literacy. This conclusion allowed us to rely in our study on the philosophical and anthropological approach. The author substantiated the distinction between two types of literacy: scientific literacy and natural science literacy. The hierarchical relationship of types of literacy was revealed. The author proposed a model of the structure of scientific literacy based on five competencies.

The Satisfaction and Needs of Teachers on the Earth Science Model Experiments in Science Textbooks Used in Primary Schools

This study aimed to examine teachers’ satisfaction with and needs for earth science model experiments science textbooks used in primary schools. To this end, 103 primary school teachers participated in an online survey, and five teachers with doctorates in science education theory were interviewed. The findings of the study were as follows. First, primary school teachers in South Korea were highly satisfied with earth science model experiments presented in science textbooks. Second, despite the high satisfaction, there were various reasons why model experiments were inappropriate and difficult to conduct. Third, the teachers wanted to replace the model experiments of earth science that could result in misconceptions, had low success rates, and were time-consuming to prepare. Fourth, when designing earth science model experiments, teachers felt the need to confirm the meaning and accessibility of the model experiments. This study confirmed that model experiments should have a meaning and emulate the facts to help students understand rather than merely imitate.

Bridging Science Education's Theory–Practice Divide: A Perspective from Teacher Education Through Topic-Specific PCK

The divide between theory and practice is an enduring challenge commonly attributed to disconnection in teacher knowledge between ‘knowing what to do’ (planning) and ‘doing what you know’ (enacting in class). We re-visited this divide from the new perspective of pedagogical content knowledge with the purpose of examining the ways in which topic-specific pedagogical content knowledge (TSPCK), evident in a planning-to-teach setting, translates in a classroom setting. Furthermore, we aimed to identify the factors that influence the translation. We employed an intervention-based qualitative research design with a subset of three science pre-service teachers (PSTs) drawn from a cohort of 24 final year PSTs in a Chemistry methodology class. They were followed into schools for observation during a practicum. Data collected comprised lesson plans, two video-recorded lessons each and self-reflection reports. The lesson plans and the lesson recordings were mined for TSPCK episodes, while the reflection reports were analysed for possible influential factors. The identified TSPCK episodes from both the lesson plans and actual lessons were subjected to a qualitative, in-depth analysis, and the results were collated into TSPCK maps. The reflective reports were analysed through content analysis. Findings revealed a structural format change of the PSTs’ TSPCK across the planning–practice settings, while keeping the original lesson intentions intact. Factors influencing the observed TSPCK structural change included complex teacher reflections-for-action and reflections-on-action drawing on specific TSPCK components as well as on learner understanding. Implications for science teacher education are discussed.

A Framework for the Development of Schoolyard Pedagogy

Science education theory and reform call on elementary educators to provide authentic science learning experiences in a constructivist learning environment. The natural surroundings of the schoolyard offer an often undeveloped and/or undiscovered pedagogical tool that can help teachers meet these reform-based goals in science teaching. There is little research investigating the pedagogical development of teachers who use the schoolyard to teach. Understanding the framework of development of schoolyard pedagogy can help pre- and in-service teacher educators prepare effective elementary science teachers to take advantage of the teaching opportunities in the schoolyard. This manuscript constructs a framework of development of schoolyard pedagogy as described in the themes of experience across the professional life histories of elementary teachers who frequently use the schoolyard to teach. This framework can inform both pre- and in-service teacher educators who aim to support the development of a pedagogy that goes beyond the four walls of a classroom.

ロバート・カープラスの科学教育論に関する検討:― SCIS の取り組みに着目して ―

ロバート・カープラスの科学教育論に関する検討:― SCIS の取り組みに着目して ―

(Re)considering Foucault for science education research: considerations of truth, power and governance

This article is a response to Anna Danielsonn, Maria Berge, and Malena Lidar’s paper, “Knowledge and power in the technology classroom: a framework for studying teachers and students in action”, and an appeal to science educators of all epistemological orientations to (re)consider the work of Michel Foucault for research in science education. Although this essay does not come close to outlining the importance of Foucault’s work for science education, it does present a lesser-known side of Foucault as an anti-polemical, realist, modern philosopher interested in the way objective knowledge is entangled with governance in modernity. This latter point is important for science educators, as it is the intersection of objective knowledge and institutional imperatives that characterizes the field(s) of science education. Considering the lack of engagement with philosophy and social theory in science education, this paper offers one of many possible readings of Foucault (we as authors have also published different readings of Foucault) in order to engage crucial questions related to truth, power, governance, discourse, ethics and education.

A Forum for the Science Education Community's Continual Self‐Renewal

A Forum for the Science Education Community's Continual Self‐Renewal

Is it Worth it? Science Education of the Talented 2%

AbstractThis essay critiques mismatch theory in science education, a theory supported by opponents of affirmative action who strive to derail efforts to diversify institutions of higher education. Can high‐achieving students survive and thrive in an academic environment dominated by their super high‐achieving peers? Our research suggests that while there are a variety of nuanced factors that impact an undergraduate's success in certain majors, students of all backgrounds can excel at highly selective universities, given the proper resources and support.

Toward the sociopolitical in science education

In this paper, we explore how Jacques Ranciere’s (The ignorant schoolmaster: five lessons in intellectual emancipation. Stanford University Press, Stanford, 1991) notions of radical equality and dissensus reveal horizons for activism and sociopolitical engagement in science education theory, research, and practice. Drawing on Rochelle Gutierrez’ (J Res Math Educ 44(1):37–68, 2013a. doi: 10.5951/jresematheduc.44.1.0037 ; J Urban Math Educ 6(2):7–19, b) “sociopolitical turn” for mathematics education, we identify how the field of science education can/is turning from more traditional notions of equity, achievement and access toward issues of systemic oppression, identity and power. Building on the conversation initiated by Lorraine Otoide who draws from French philosopher Jacques Ranciere to experiment with a pedagogy of radical equality, we posit that a sociopolitical turn in science education is not only imminent, but necessary to meet twenty-first century crises.

예비화학교사의 PCK 신장을 위한 교육실습 연계 교과목의 실러버스 개발 및 적용

이 연구의 목적은 예비 화학교사의 PCK를 신장시키기 위하여 교육실습과 연계된 대학 강좌를 개발하는 것이다. 연구자는 교육실습 연계 대학 강좌의 실러버스와 교수학습 자료를 개발하고, 교육실습을 나갈 화학교육과 예비교사를 대상으로 '화학수업의 실제'란 강좌를 개설하여 개발한 교육과정을 적용하였다. 연구 참여자를 대상으로 반구조화된 면담을 실시한 결과, 예비교사들은 이 수업이 이론과 실제를 연계 지어줌으로써 좋은 과학수업에 대한 안목을 형성할 수 있게 하였으며 실습에 대한 실제적 준비를 할 수 있었고, 반성적 성찰을 가능하게 하여 결과적으로 교수 능력을 신장시킬 수 있었다고 언급하였다. 이 연구를 통해 실습과 연계된 대학 교과목의 실습 전후 교육으로 교육실습 경험을 재구성함으로써 예비교사의 수업 전문성을 신장시킬 수 있음을 확인할 수 있었다. The purpose this research was to develop the practicum-affiliated coursework for pre-service chemistry teachers to enhance their instructional professionalism. The researchers developed the syllabus and the materials of the practicum-affiliated coursework and opened the class 'Practice of Chemistry Lesson' for the pre-service chemistry teachers who were expected to participate in the practicum. Semi-constructed individual interviews revealed that pre-service chemistry teachers thought the developed coursework, which linked science education theory and practice, helped them to develop educational connoisseurship about good science class and to be prepared practically to the practicum, and as the result, they could enhance their teaching ability. The result identified that the reconstruction of the practicum experience through the process of 5 steps of the curriculum could develop the instructional professionalism of pre-service chemistry teachers.

지구과학 관련 사회적 문제(socio-scientific issue)와 관련된 논증적 글쓰기를 통해 알아본 예비교사들의 논증구조 발달 분석

The purpose of this study is to analyze the degree of argumentation structure development and factors of development of preservice teachers through SSI related argumentative writings. The study was conducted with 16 preservice teachers that students taking elementary science education theory class in K university located in Chungbuk. The testees wrote six SSI related argumentative writings (once a week), and we examined the degree of argumentation structure development and the change in the recognition of SSI of the preservice teachers by comparing the writings before and after the experiments. The experimental results showed that argumentation structure of the preservice teachers'writings improved and argument level (argument capability) of them also increased as the number of writing was increased. Factors that affect the argumentation structure improvement are mainly argumentation structure education, a number of writings, feedbacks, and subjects related to SSI. In this aspect, the argumentative writing on SSI has the effect of developing scientific sophistication and enhancing the decision-making power of students, and it has positive impacts in science education.

A Research of Employing Cognitive Load Theory in Science Education via Web-Pages

This study adopted Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) to investigate the influences of multimedia presentations on achievements of science learning and the correlations between eye-movement models under distinct multimedia combinations and learner-controlled modes. Three units from the Science Education Website set by the Ministry of Education (Tainan) to assist student learning were employed: Air and Combustion”, “Heat Effects toward Substances”, and “Healthy Diet.” This multifunctional website offers teaching resources, interesting experiments, inquiry experiments, virtual animations, multi-assessments, and supplementary materials, which are highly interactive and simulative. Six classes of fifth graders (n=192) participated in this study. Our findings showed that the combination of multimedia elements apparently influenced students' performance; the “animation + narration” group performed evidently better than the “animation + subtitles” group. When the animated subject matters were in small segments under the Segmentation Principle, multimedia presentations still brought affections to learning achievement, suggesting that the modality effect on students' learning exists constantly. Regarding the eye-movement models, this study focused mainly on discussing the “active-control mode” and “multimedia combination forms”. These eye movement data supplemented the evidences gained to identify the relevant results. In conclusion, inappropriate multimedia combinations may interfere with learning. More functions and information inputs do not guarantee better learning effects.

Drama and learning science: an empty space?

Constructivist teaching methods such as using drama have been promoted as productive ways of learning, especially in science. Specifically, role plays, using given roles or simulated and improvised enactments, are claimed to improve learning of concepts, understanding the nature of science and appreciation of science's relationship with society (Ødegaard 2001, Unpublished Dr. scient., Dissertation, University of Oslo). So far, theorisation of drama in learning, at least in science, has been lacking and no attempt has been made to integrate drama theory in science education with that of theatre. This article draws on Peter Brook's notion of the theatre as the ‘empty space’ (Brook 1968, The empty space, Harmondsworth, Penguin Books) to provide a new theoretical model acting as a lens through which drama activities used to teach science can be better understood and researched. An example of a physical role play is used to ground the theory. The paper concludes by suggesting areas for further research.

What Do Students “Construct” According to Constructivism in Science Education?

This paper aims at shedding light on what students can “construct” when they learn science and how this construction process may be supported. Constructivism is a pluralist theory of science education. As a consequence, I support, there are several points of view concerning this construction process. Firstly, I stress that constructivism is rooted in two fields, psychology of cognitive development and epistemology, which leads to two ways of describing the construction process: either as a process of enrichment and/or reorganization of the cognitive structures at the mental level, or as a process of building or development of models or theories at the symbolic level. Secondly, I argue that the usual distinction between “personal constructivism” (PC) and “social constructivism” (SC) originates in a difference of model of reference: the one of PC is Piaget’s description of “spontaneous” concepts, assumed to be constructed by students on their own when interacting with their material environment, the one of SC is Vygotsky’s description of scientific concepts, assumed to be introduced by the teacher by means of verbal communication. Thirdly, I support the idea that, within SC, there are in fact two trends: one, in line with Piaget’s work, demonstrates how cooperation among students affects the development of each individual’s cognitive structures; the other, in line with Vygotsky’s work, claims that students can understand and master new models only if they are introduced to the scientific culture by their teacher. Fourthly, I draw attention to the process of “problem construction” identified by some French authors. Finally, I advocate for an integrated approach in science education, taking into account all the facets of science learning and teaching mentioned above and emphasizing their differences as well as their interrelations. Some suggestions intended to improve the efficiency of science teaching are made.

중등과학교사임용시험 문항에 나타난 과학교육학 이론의 분석

본 연구의 목적은 중등과학교사신규임용후보자선정경쟁시험(이하 중등과학교사임용시험)의 문항들에서 어떤 과학교육학 이론이 제시되었는지를 분석하는 것이다. 이를 위해 최근 5년간 시행된 중등과학교사임용시험의 과학교육학 관련 문항들을 과학과 교육과정, 과학사 및 과학철학, 과학 탐구, 과학 교수학습이론, 과학 교수학습모형, 과학 평가 등의 6가지 영역으로 분석하였다. 그 결과, 과학 교수학습이론이 다른 영역에 비해 가장 많이 출제되었고, 각 영역 내에서는 '차시별 교육과정의 내용요소', '과학적 방법'과 '현대과학철학', '탐구과정요소', '오수벨의 유의미학습', '로슨의 순환학습'과 '협동학습', '수행평가 준거 개발' 등에서 많은 내용이 출제되었다. 반면에, 과학교육자들 사이에서 '과학사'와 같이 예비 과학교사에게 중요한 주제로 여겨지지만 중등과학교사임용시험에서는 출제가 거의 이루어지지 않은 영역도 많이 있었다. 중등과학교사임용시험이 예비교사들의 전문성 함양을 위한 노력에 영향을 미치기 때문에 예비교사들이 익혀야 할 과학교육학 이론의 양과 수준에 대해 많은 연구가 요구된다. The purpose of this study is to analyze what kinds of science education theories are targeted in the "Examination for Appointing Secondary School Science Teachers (EASST)." For the analyses, we extracted the contents related to the science education theories in the question items of the EASST of 2008 through 2012, and categorized those theories into science curriculum, history of science and philosophy of science, scientific inquiry, theory of teaching and learning, model of teaching and learning, and assessment. The results of this study indicated that the theory of teaching and learning appeared most frequently and there were high proportions of question items related to the following topics: contents in science curriculum, scientific method, contemporary philosophy of science, process of inquiry, Ausubel's theory, learning cycle model by Lawson, cooperative learning, criteria of performance assessment, and etc. While we, as science educators, believed that the other categories such as 'history of science' provides important topics for pre-service science teachers, questions items dealing with those were rarely found in the past EASSTs. As EASST has strong influences on the professional developments of pre-service science teachers, more research should be pursued on how much and what domains of science education theories would be appropriate for the test.

Expanding the conversation: further explorations into Indigenous environmental science education theory, research, and practice

Indigenous environmental science education is a diverse, dynamic, and rapidly expanding field of research, theory, and practice. This article highlights, challenges, and expands upon key areas of discussion presented by Mack et al. (Cult Stud Sci Educ 7, 2012) as part of the forum on their article Effective Practices for Creating Transformative Informal Science Education Programs Grounded in Native Ways of Knowing. Key topics discussed include the integration of Western and Indigenous knowledge in educational programs, embodied approaches to Indigenous research, and further examples of practice from Canada and other regions of the world.