Theorizing the Future of Science Education Research

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Science Education Research ◽  
The Future

scholarly journals The future challenge of Earth science education research

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nir Orion
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Earth Science ◽  
Science Education Research ◽  
Earth Science Education ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Low Profile ◽  
The Future ◽  
K 12

AbstractThis article addresses the question of what the future directions and emphases of the research in the earth science education field ought to be. During the past 30 years, Earth science education research has established a solid theoretical foundation, as well as practical strategies and techniques, for a meaningful teaching of earth science from K-12. However, the quality of this research, and the growing need for knowledge in Earth science, have done little to improve the low profile of ESE in schools worldwide. The article posits that narrowing this disturbing gap between the educational potential of Earth science and its low profile in schools requires a holistic agenda. Such an agenda will encompass the deepening of existing research of the Earth systems approach in areas like the development of environmental insight better understanding the learning process as an embedded human instinct, which will hopefully contribute to changing the current essentialism-based teaching culture. However, it will also include new avenues of research focused on changing the attitudes of geoscientists towards their role in society and the adoption of geoethical values.

UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH PARADIGMS: TRENDS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION RESEARCH

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-118
Author(s):  
Sebastian Szyjka
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Science Education Research ◽  
Collective Interest ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
The Masses

This essay offers several insights regarding the principles of qualitative and quantitative methods, defining how they shape the empirical process as well as knowledge acquisition in social science research. A comprehensive discussion includes comparing the assumptions and techniques of each paradigm, as well as a description of their respective strengths and weaknesses in research. These paradigms are examined in terms of past trends in science education research, indicating that over the last several decades a shift in approach from the quantitative to qualitative has occurred. The central thesis of the essay contends that methodological decisions should be based in pragmatism, rather than a pre-existent set of philosophies or beliefs irrespective of context. Implications for research are discussed in terms of the findings of several science education content analysis studies, conveying that research methods often coincide with the collective interest of the masses, policy, educational reform or program developments. Key words: paradigm decisions, qualitative research, quantitative research, science education, trends.

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