Learning science by practical work in Finnish primary schools using materials familiar from the environment: a pilot study

1993 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 497-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena Aho ◽  
Johanna Huopio ◽  
Satu Huttunen
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Practical Work ◽  
Learning Science

Children and marmots: a pilot study in mountain primary schools

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 415-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Lenti Boero ◽  
T. Clerici ◽  
V. Perrucci
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Primary Schools

scholarly journals Scientific Conceptions of Photosynthesis among Primary School Pupils and Student Teachers of Biology

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darja Skribe Dimec ◽  
Jelka Strgar
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Plant Transformation ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Process Research ◽  
Practical Work ◽  
Biochemical Process ◽  
Biology Student ◽  
The World ◽  
Primary School Pupils

Photosynthesis is the most important biochemical process on Earth. Most living beings depend on it directly or indirectly. Knowledge about photosynthesis enables us to understand how the world functions as an ecosystem and how photosynthesis acts as a bridge between the non-living and living worlds. It is, therefore, understandable that photosynthesis is included in national curricula around the world. The practice unfortunately shows that students at all school levels mostly learn about photosynthesis by rote. Consequently, they have difficulties understanding this vital process. Research also shows many misconceptions in relation to photosynthesis among students of different ages. Based on these, the main aim of our study was to explore the scientific conceptions about photosynthesis held by primary school pupils and student teachers of biology. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing seven biology content questions.The sample consisted of 634 participants, 427 primary school pupils (aged 11–14), and 207 student teachers of biology (aged 20–23). We found that the populations of primary school pupils and student teachers of biology differ greatly concerning scientific conceptions of photosynthesis. The student teachers showed good and complex understanding of photosynthesis, while pupils showed some misconceptions (location of chlorophyll and photosynthesis in a plant, transformation of energy in photosynthesis). Analysis of the development of scientific conceptions about photosynthesis with age showed that there is very little progress among primary school pupils and none among biology student teachers. More involvement of student teachers of biology in practical work at primary schools during their study was suggested to make student teachers aware of, and better understand pupils’ misconceptions.

Parents’ perceptions of parent–teacher relationship practices in Dutch primary schools – an exploratory pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 719-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Leenders ◽  
Carla Haelermans ◽  
Johan de Jong ◽  
Mélanie Monfrance
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Parent Teacher Relationship

scholarly journals STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVE OF PRACTICAL WORK IN LEARNING SCIENCES VIA DISTANCE EDUCATION

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason K.Y. Chan ◽  
Namin Shin
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Practical Work ◽  
Learning Science ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Attendance Rate ◽  
Science Courses ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Questionnaire Surveys

This article focuses on students' perspectives on various aspects of learning science at a distance, such as ‘expectations,’ ‘learning outcomes,’ and ‘satisfaction’. Two foundation science courses offered by the School of Science and Technology at the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) were selected for the study. A series of indepth interviews was carried out with students enrolled in these courses, followed by questionnaire surveys and field observations in order to validate and triangulate the interview data. The findings revealed that students placed a high value on practical work in science courses. Moreover, the more familiar with the course subject, the less difficulty they anticipate in learning science via distance education. Two significant correlations were also found, between the perception of practical work and satisfaction, and between the attendance rate and the perception of practical work with distance learning at OUHK. This research adds to knowledge of disciplinebased distance education research in terms of empirical data in both qualitative and quantitative forms. Further investigation on this issue may help instructional designers and developed of science courses in the decision on various aspects of course design and development.

scholarly journals Ten Years of ‘Flying the Flag’: An Overview and Retrospective Consideration of the Active School Flag Physical Activity Initiative for Children—Design, Development & Evaluation

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 300
Author(s):  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
Úna Britton ◽  
Elaine Murtagh ◽  
Sarah Meegan ◽  
Christina Duff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Teacher Perceptions ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Implementation Fidelity ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Whole School ◽  
Mixed Methods Case Study ◽  
Promotion Programme

Whole-school physical activity (PA) promotion programmes are recommended to increase youth PA. Evaluation of programmes is essential to ensure practice is guided by evidence. This paper evaluates the Active School Flag (ASF), a whole-school PA promotion programme in Ireland, using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. ASF was evaluated across three levels—(1) administration, (2) application, (3) outcomes—using a mixed-methods case study design. Existing data sources were reviewed, the programme coordinator was interviewed, and a pilot study was conducted to investigate impact on 3rd and 5th class students (3 schools, n = 126 students, age range 8–12 years). In-school Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA; by accelerometery), motivation for PA (BREQ), PA self-efficacy (PASES), school affect and peer social support (Kidscreen27) were measured pre-programme (0 months), post-programme (8 months), and at retention (12 months). Teacher perceptions of classroom behaviour (CBAST) were also measured pre- and post-programme. ASF has been successful in engaging 46% of primary schools nationally. Students’ in-school moderate–vigorous PA increased in all pilot-study schools from pre-programme to retention (η2 = 0.68–0.84). ASF programme design facilitates implementation fidelity, adoption and maintenance through buy in from schools and government stakeholders. ASF presents as an effective PA promotion programme in the short-to-medium term for primary schools. This RE-AIM evaluation provides evidence of ASF effectiveness, alongside valuable findings that could support programme improvement, and inform future similar programmes.

scholarly journals ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON LEARNING OUTCOMES IN SCIENCE EDUCATION IN SLOVENIAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS THROUGH THE ANALYSIS OF MATERIAL WORK CONDITIONS

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-543
Author(s):  
Irena Delčnjak Smrečnik ◽  
Samo Fošnarič ◽  
Branka Čagran
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
School Science ◽  
Practical Work ◽  
Material Research ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Material Conditions

The study deals with material support for practical work in science classes in Slovenian primary schools (grades 1-5). It answers the question of why there are differences in national tests in terms of socioeconomic development of the environment, despite the fact that schools are equally well equipped. There are two groups of teachers: in less-developed regions (N=337) and in more-developed regions (N=160) – the criterion is the “the development risk index.” Material research equipment in Slovenian schools is poor. Socioeconomic development does not affect the perception of problems such as: the lack of materials and equipment, oversized groups, poor spatial conditions, and the absence of an assistant. Equipment is provided by schools, while material is brought by the pupils themselves. Comparison has shown that students in more developed environments bring their own material more frequently, which enables more research activities. It was concluded that despite the fact that the material conditions in all Slovenian schools are similar, there are differences in the development level of inquiry skills. In more-developed regions, students compensate the lack of material by providing aids from their home environment. Key words: environmental impact, material conditions, practical work, primary school, science teacher

scholarly journals Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in China’s Local Primary Schools: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Ronghui (Kevin) Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Education For Sustainable Development ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Education Support

This study discusses the current status of ESD implementation in three primary schools and examines factors that have impacted the implementation of ESD in a district of an urban Chinese cities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three primary school principals and three school teachers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Three themes emerged that have impacted ESD implementation in this pilot study are discussed: the definition of ESD, lack of local education support, and exam pressures. The results suggested that ESD is underdeveloped in the selected context of urban China. Further investigation is required to capture the whole scope of ESD implementations in China’s primary education.  Keywords: Education for Sustainable Development; Primary Education; Case Study; Teacher and Principal; China 

scholarly journals Teachers Preparedness on Implementation of Competence Based Curriculum in Lower Public Primary Schools in Kilifi and Nandi Counties, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (04) ◽  
pp. 1292-1303
Author(s):  
Mary Jebii Chemagosi
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teacher Preparedness ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Interview Schedule ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Head Teachers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Competency Based

The competency based curriculum was introduced in Kenya in 2016 as pilot study for the new curriculum but adapted in 2019 in all pre-schools and lower primary school levels. The curriculum is viewed as a panacea in solving problems of unskilled school leavers with knowledge based to practical based curriculum. The objective of the study was to establish teachers’ preparedness on implementation of competence based curriculum in lower public primary schools in Kilifi and Nandi counties, Kenya. The study used descriptive research design. Data was collected by use of questionnaire, interview schedule and observation schedule. The sample used was 48 head teachers, 48 teachers that were purposively selected. A pilot study was conducted in two schools one from each of the two Counties to pre-test the instruments. The study made use of teachers’ questionnaire, head teachers interview schedule and observation schedule to collect and analyse data from the participants. Validity was ensured by face and content validity while Split-half technique ensured reliability. The quantitative and qualitative data were simultaneously analysed in order to triangulate the findings of the study. The results shows that the overall model is significant (F=6.006, p<0.05) and the coefficient also shows that teacher preparedness contributes significantly on implementation of competency based curriculum (β=0.342, t=7.985, p>0.05).This implies that teacher preparedness significantly influence implementation of competency based curriculum and therefore the hypothesis that there is no significant difference between teachers’ preparedness and implementation of competency based curriculum was rejected. The study recommended that the Ministry of education to ensure teachers are equipped with requisite skills, knowledge and teaching and learning resources to adequately prepare teachers for competency based curriculum.

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